Judson Green shows his composing skills as he plays piano and keys with Daniel Jordan/ww, Walt Hubbard/dr and Ron Jenkins/b for eighteen concise originals. There’s a six part “Heartland Suite” that salutes Aaron Copland with Billy Joelesque piano, cheerful melodies and rich flute flotations. Some CTI soul is emitted with keyboards and Jordan’s alto sax on “It’s Coming Back” and the smooth funk of “Manasoata Key”. Pop sounds a created on “And Then Tomorrow’ with some nice bop chops for “Freeway Lives”. Impressive pen with a wide reach.
Pianist Jill McCarron has bop in her blood with her core trio team of Paul Gill/b and Andy Watson/dr along with guest Will Anderson/as-fl. The threesome sears through the feisty Bud Powell classics of “Glass Enclosure/Tempus Fugit” with “One For Amos” giving Gill a chance to stretch out on bowed bass and picking out a deep pulse on “Lined With A Groove”. Anderson sizzles with the team on “All God’s Chillun Got Rhythm” with his flute getting classy on John Lewis’ nifty “Concorde”. McCarron has exciting chops on the piano, while her keyboard work is soulful on “Looking Out For Number 7”. A solo read of Jump For Joy” shows her adroit skills and confidence. A looker and a cooker.