One of today’s most creative composers and players, pianist Lisa Hilton releases a strong album that has solo, trio and quartet excursions. The full team of Igmar Thomas/tp, Luques Curtis/b and Rudy Royston are the perfect fit and size for Hilton’s ideas, as Thomas’s yearning horn complements the leaders ivories on the lyrical “See You Again”, and joyfully sighs on the clip clopping title tune. A hint of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” is felt on the graceful yet exotic pulse of “Prophesies & Predictions” as well as during Royston’s cadence under Thomas’ muted horn on a rich read of “All Blues”. The team gels well when they boogaloo on the get down groove of “And Some Blues”
In trio format, Hilton is reflective and soft pedal dreamy on “Little Beach Mornings” with a recitative meditation of the leader’s fingers dancing through Curtis’ bowed bass during “Snow On The Beach”. A solo aria of “Big Sur Views” is as embracing as a walk around Esalon, contemplative and pieceful. Impressive impressions.