Pianist
Ben Aronov made his American debut as a leader with this session, initially issued as a Progressive LP titled
Suavity, though this reissue has no bonus tracks. Already a veteran of the New York jazz scene at the time of this 1977 session, as well as having appeared on a number of dates as a sideman (his debut was on a record by singer
June Christy),
Aronov is obviously a mature talent, and is joined here by veterans
Jay Leonhart on bass and drummer
Billy Hart. He gives a very different texture to "Upper Manhattan Medical Group" by adding a rather pensive introduction before segueing into more familiar swing territory, while his poignant take of the ballad "Never Let Me Go" also works well. The leader generously features
Hart in both
Charlie Parker pieces ("Yardbird" and "Quasimodo").
Aronov's three originals are also of interest, though the use of electric piano in "Circle of Threes" makes the piece sound a bit dated. Recommended.