Pianist Bill O’Connell leads a swinging team of Conrad Herwig/tb, Steve Slagle/ss-as, Luques Curtis/b Richie Barshay/dr and Richie Flores/perc through a sizzling collection of mostly originals. The percussion is infectious on pieces such as the driving “Stepping Stones” and the exotic “Optimism.” O’Connell’s piano becomes part of the percussion team quiet excitingly on “Shaman’s Dance” while he sounds lovely and crystalline on “Missing Mr. Barrios.” John Lennon’s “Imagine” features some rich alto work by Slagle, while his soprano rides the whip on the galloping “Jigsaw.” A rich version of “Willow Weep For Me” contains much more salsa than normal, and is a better song for it as Herwig’s trombone soars over the turbulent waters, just before the assertive “Whitcaps” closes this disc that is a joy for toe tapping fans.
Savant Records