I’m not sure if pianist Todd Hunter ever read the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible, but the title of his trio album fits the attitude. All we can expect from life is to enjoy our labors, so make the best of it, and Hunter does so with Steve Hass-Aaron Serfaty/dr and Dave Robaire-Rufus Philpot/b on this collection of accessible originals.
Hunter has a feel and attitude similar to Vince Guaraldi’s famous recordings from the 1960s. Pieces like “Big Bird” and “Snake In The Bottle” display an uptempo optimism and driving swing that is both hip and infectious. Robaire can snatch a sleek bass line out of heaven and deliver it with style as on “I See More Than One” and the team creates the pulse of a marathon runner as Hass lays down the tempo on the Brazilian beauty “Samba De Todje.” Hunter’s touch is clean and full of deft joy, making the ivories smile all throughout, pleasing to the ears and soul on “Man On Deck” and “Que Linda.” Cheers!