There’s truth in labeling here as pianist Gene Argel has a touch that glows in the dark on this quartet session with Jay Thomas/ts-as-tp, Chuck Deardrof/b and Mark Ivester/dr. Lots of elegance and pretty sounds grace along on the lovely “People” and”Annette” which both provide a nice plate to serve Thomas’ delicious tenor. There’s moments of playfulness with Thomas’ alto on the slinky “Soul Leo” and a trio reading of “Time Sweet Time” as well as the quartet “Hermosa” spotlight the deft interplay that is quite conversant between Ivester’s brushes and Deardorf’s flexible bass. Dreamy and impressionistic ruminations glow like a summer sunset on “If I Loved You” closing out an album that resonates with style and class. This is how a piano should sound!
Origin Records