Here’s a sparkling fresh collection of material put together by pianist Linda Presgrave, who wrote and arranged these eleven songs that are divided among three fragrant suites. She leads a basic core trio of Harvie S/b and Allison Miller/dr-perc who delve into some wonderful modrn post bop on “Where East Meets West” in The Asian Suite and “Colors of Collioure” from The French Suite. A mix and match horn section of Stan Chovnick/ss, Todd Herbert/ts and Vincent Herring/as put together some warm and charming themes on Horace Silver-inspired “Along the Path” and the rich and thoughtful “Place of Picasso.” Herrings’ alto glows on “Blues for a Rainy Day” while Chovnick’s soprano floats like a feather during “Asakusa View” and “Harbor Lights.” MJ Territo adds a charming voice on “Bird of Ceret” and Herbert’s tenor is reminiscent of a Giant Steps Coltrane on the snapping “You Just Never Know.” The mix of traditional sounds and modern musings is an irresistible time.
Metropolitan Records