Pianist Lenny Marcus’s trio with Rick Eckberg/b and Larry Scott/dr follow the shadow of Bill Evans, but with a more optimistic attitude on this collection of jazz standards and originals. While a handful of the songs, such as the modal “Countemplation” include horns provided by Ken Hitchcock, and some guitar work by Brian Mesko is added on the pretty salsa’d “Song for a Full Moon,” most of the pieces keep the core in the spotlight. Marcus has an upbeat feel to his touch, demonstrated on “Bartolomeo” and the elliptical take of Evans’ “Gloria’s Step.” Eckberg’s bass rides well on “The Storm” and teams with Scott to create a strong backbeat for the bright horns and warm guitar on “Weather Forecast” while the trio format does lovely pastels on a gorgeous read of the hymn “Morning Has Broken.” Looking on the bright side.Lenny Marcus:Trio: Gloria’s Steps
Pianist Lenny Marcus’s trio with Rick Eckberg/b and Larry Scott/dr follow the shadow of Bill Evans, but with a more optimistic attitude on this collection of jazz standards and originals. While a handful of the songs, such as the modal “Countemplation” include horns provided by Ken Hitchcock, and some guitar work by Brian Mesko is added on the pretty salsa’d “Song for a Full Moon,” most of the pieces keep the core in the spotlight. Marcus has an upbeat feel to his touch, demonstrated on “Bartolomeo” and the elliptical take of Evans’ “Gloria’s Step.” Eckberg’s bass rides well on “The Storm” and teams with Scott to create a strong backbeat for the bright horns and warm guitar on “Weather Forecast” while the trio format does lovely pastels on a gorgeous read of the hymn “Morning Has Broken.” Looking on the bright side.