Popsicle Illusion

This virtuosic solo piano outing by gives 's year 2000 solo series a run for its money. It's also quite a departure from the busier sound of 1999's . But like her previous record, is packed with 's characteristic exuberance, sophistication, and diverse stylistic command. Beginning with a 7/4 stride piano version of goes on to tackle several other standards and four strong originals. She performs lightning-speed harmonic surgery on 's and takes at a swinging medium tempo. Donning a different hat, she delivers the stunning ballads and even ' Her originals, as usual, overflow with compositional resourcefulness and resist easy categorization: There's the splashy the Tel Aviv-inspired the boogie-woogie throwback and the abstract, classically influenced piece wraps up with done faster than usual in a semi-stride style. Then there's a special bonus: an engaging, five-plus minute interview of by producer . An important statement from an important pianist. ~ David R. Adler