With his previous releases, pianist
Peter Zak
has focused on standards and works by a variety of jazz greats. This time around he focuses on
McCoy Tyner
, a veteran who has written a formidable array of compositions during his long career, though he has rarely, if ever, been the focus of a recorded tribute.
Zak
makes up for that oversight with this rewarding session, joined by his working trio consisting of longtime bassist
Paul Gill
and drummer
Quincy Davis
(the latter also appeared on
Seed of Sin
).
puts his own stamp on each piece, not merely trying to copy
Tyner
's style (which would be pointless), opening with a snappy take of
"Blues on the Corner"
that also features his sidemen. The leader also captures the playful, infectious spirit of
"Man from Tanganyika"
and the fire within
's fast-paced post-bop vehicle
"May Street."
's sole original,
"The Camel,"
fits in rather well with
's works. It is surprising that
didn't get around to recording
's lovely ballad
"You Taught My Heart to Sing,"
a piece that has become a favorite of vocalists since it is complemented by
Sammy Cahn
's lyrics, but he may have bypassed it in favor of
pieces that have not gotten great exposure outside of the composer's own vast discography. ~ Ken Dryden