Veteran pianist George Cables continues the legacy of the likes of John Hicks, Tommy Flanagan and Cedar Walton in being lyrical and melodic genius of the hard and post bop nature. Although associated with bands lead by Joe Henderson, Art Pepper and Dexter Gordon, he’s now usually in a trio setting, which works best to display his charms.
Here, with bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Victor Lewis, he shows his rich flowing touch on a modal read of “Young At Heart” and Freddie Hubbard’s darker “Thermo” propelled by Lewis’ drums, while giving full fists to Essiet’s deep groove on Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil.” His finger are rich with elasticity as he struts on “Three Views of a Secret” and has fun with his bandmates on a kinetic read of Thelonious Monk’s “Ugly Beauty.” Best of all for pianists of his ilk are the softer pieces, and he gives a sensuous read of “Besame Mucho” that casts light on every corner and crack, and on his own he closes things on an inquisitive “Monk’s Mood.” It’s he and Harold Mabern that are the ones that carry this torch, so don’t miss them whenever in town.