Beboperation: The opening track of this excellent drummer-led album is an interesting tune and contains some high-octane piano from Andrzej Baranek. As far as I know, this is a Fats Navarro composition and is rarely played due to its complexity.
Body and Soul: This, of course, is the well known Johnny Green standard and I still think the early recording by Coleman Hawkins is the best, but this version is a one that bears repeated plays.
Caravan: A great tune from the pen of Juan Tizol and Gaz gets stuck into the theme right from the start and it made me wonder why more of Tizol’s tunes do not get played. Moonlight Fiesta is one I listen to a lot from Clark Terry’s In Orbit album with a great solo by Thelonious Monk.
Have You Met Miss Jones?: If you go to jam sessions you’ll often hear this number played and sometimes the results can be less than satisfying! Here the trio do a great rendition and the tempo they choose is slower than most versions I’ve heard. The drums are prominent during the theme. Good bass solo from Ed.
I Mean You: Starts with some interplay by bass and drums. Great left hand from Andrzej throughout and the spirit of Monk is present.
Oleo: On this Rollins number everyone is cooking up a storm. Gaz starts the tune with a short drum solo then Andrzej does his thing reminding me of the late great Hampton Hawes and also Hilton Ruiz.
Prelude to a Kiss: Everytime I hear this tune I think of Ben Webster and how his sound suited this number. I’m glad Gaz included this tune in the album as it does not get played too often. This trio version should please all fans of Ellingtonia.
Send In The Clowns: I’ve never been too keen on this show tune but I must admit to liking the way it's played here.
Seven Steps To Heaven: This composition by Victor Feldman is given a Latin treatment by Gaz and his colleagues and is the final track on an excellent album.
Having seen all members of the trio playing live on numerous occasions I can say that this album is a good indication of what to expect if you are able to hear them on their forthcoming tour. Mike Farmer.
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