Andy LaVerne's series of consistently fresh CDs for Steeplechase kicked off in the late '80s and shows no signs of letting up, making one wonder if record labels in his native land are too busy searching for the latest young jazz superstar to notice his immense talent. This trio session from 1993 features the pianist with frequent collaborator Steve LaSpina on bass and drummer
Anton Fig in a program that includes gems written by
Clifford Brown (a driving "Daahoud" and an unusual, break-filled "Joy Spring"), a pair of
Chick Corea's tunes (a romp through "Tones for Joan's Bones" and an alternately dark and buoyant interpretation of the lesser-known "Litha"), and a brilliantly reshaped arrangement of
Duke Jordan's "Jordu." The quirkiness of
LaVerne's "Glass Ceiling" and the drama of his "Green Piece" merit additional attention to his considerable skill as a composer. Like all of
Andy LaVerne's many Steeplechase sessions,
Glass Ceiling is also highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden