Here’s a classy trio production by a collection of veterans. Pianist Mike Longo, long associated as Dizzy Gillespie’s sideman, joins together again with Bob Cranshaw, alumnus of Sonny Rollins, and drummer Lewis Nash, who’s hit the skins for EVERYONE. Their songbook on this collection is dominated by their peers: Coltrane, Shorter, Henderson and Hancock make up the top of the menu, while a few ringers like “My Ship” and “Tico Tico” keep your eyes and ears open.
A deliberate delivery of “Impressions” and “Black Narcissus” spotlight the firm hands of the pianist, eschewing mindless complexity for clarity. His left hand dances well on the racetrack take of “Blue N Boogie” while the Kurt Weill tune is thoughtfully caressed. The team grooves solidly on “Cantaloupe Island” and gets into a slinky strut on “Nefertiti,” soothing the ears on a moderately paced “Poinciana.” Solid delivery of blue collar values by masters of their craft.
Consolidated Artists Production