Andy LaVerne and
Dave Samuels followed up their previous successful date for Steeplechase (
Fountainhead) with this trio date by adding bassist Jay Anderson.
LaVerne's "Retrospect" is an easygoing post-bop melody set to an implied samba beat, while his "Between Earth & Mars" is a spacious work with a touch of mystery.
Samuels contributed the lovely ballad "Tri-Tones," but what the trio has done with the standards on this CD is amazing. The old warhorse "On Green Dolphin Street" is brilliantly reharmonized,
Bill Evans' "Blue in Green" (the same tune that
Miles Davis took credit for writing) is rejuvenated with a repeated vamp and adventurous playing by all three musicians. Highly recommended, with the hope that a follow-up date is in the works! ~ Ken Dryden