Pianist Lynne Arriale has a Bill Evans-inspired lyricism with her trio of Jasper Somsen/b and EJ Strickland/dr on a collection of originals dedicated to inspiring people and social events. There is a thoughtful cadence to modal moods as on “March On” as well as the sober “Walk In My Shoes (dedicated to John Lewis)” that reflects a passionate social consciousness, while “The Notorious RBG (dedicated to Ruth Bader Ginsberg)” has her fingers as strong willed as the Supreme Court Justice. A tender “Honor (dedicated to Lt. Col Alexander Vindman)” gives a salute by bassist Somsen while “Sisters” is filled with blue gospel richness. Arriale has been creating a catalogue that deserves a look and a second.
Pianist Andy Ostwald is together with bassist Ravi Abcarian and drummer Bryan Bowman for a mix of standards and a sole original. Of the latter, Oswald’s “Meadows Edge” is a gloriously reflective endeavor with shining ivories. The team seems steeped in swinging hard bop, digging in on the upbeat “Sonar” and as soulful as collard greens on Nat Adderley’s “Sweet Emma”. Bowman asserts himself on the intro to “I Hear A Rhapsody” and Abcarian leads the flow on the fluid “Like Someone IN Love”. Uptown tones.