Pianist George Cables is one of those guys, like Harold Mabern, John Hicks and Mulgrew Miller, who just always know how to keep jazz both swinging and classy. He’s always best in a trio setting, and he shines here with bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Victor Lewis. The septuagenarian flexes his muscles with some hints of allegiance to Elmo Hope on pieces like “Too Close For Comfort”, the bopping “Klimo” and crisp “I’ve Never Been In Love Before” while also giving Essien some space. His touch is glassy with soft hands on “Circle of Love” and shows a wide reach on the cadence of “Roses Poses”. There are also a couple duets, charming with Essiett on the gentle “For All We Know” and getting playful with Lewis during “Crazy Love”, with Cables closing out the album by himself on a deliciously cozy “A Valentine For You.” This is what a piano is supposed to do.