The trio of pianist
Randy Halberstadt, bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer
Gary Hobbs is based in the Pacific Northwest. On this outing, they perform a few swingers ("The Touch of Your Lips" and "Everything I Love"), engage in superior ballad playing ("In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning" and "Don't Forget the Poet"), and show off their wit on
Thelonious Monk's "Well, You Needn't." Other highlights include
Artie Shaw's "Moonray," the adventurous opening to "Invitation," and the trio's transformation of a familiar
Chopin melody into jazz. In addition,
Halberstadt takes
Bill Evans' obscure "B Minor Waltz" as a piano solo. This modern mainstream jazz set has enough subtle surprises and variety to keep listeners interested and stimulated all the way through. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow