Although drummer
Steve Davis
organized this date and is its nominal leader, pianist
Richie Beirach
is the main solo voice and star throughout. His lengthy
improvisations
(with
Davis
and bassist
Francois Moutin
) range from the introspective to the swinging and even include some whimsical moments (particularly on
"Softly As in a Morning Sunrise"
and a few of his song quotes). The playing is quite spontaneous, with
Moutin
and
closely following
Beirach
's ideas. Five of the songs (two of
's better-known originals plus
"Blue & Green,"
"Softly As in a Morning Sunrise,"
"Nardis"
) clock in between eight and 11 minutes, while the closing medley of
"Free,"
"Stella by Starlight,"
"Solar"
goes on for over 28 minutes. The interplay between the musicians is consistently intriguing and
has rarely sounded better. Well worth several listens. ~ Scott Yanow