The foundation of jazz, the piano/bass/drum trio, is in good hands and holding its own on these two recent releases.–
It’s not hard to guess who inspires pianist/composer Eric Lilley, as he’s teamed with Mark Diamond/b Tony Black/dr (and guest Jose Espino/perc) on this collection of original. I mean, after all, “Bill Evans” is filled with rich and lyrical harmonics that sparkle, and even uptempo pieces such s “Jereice’s Step” never runs out of melodic ideas. There are also a pair of solo outings that make you wish for more, with the “ Tune Up” inspired “May Day” a rich journey and “Any Day Now” a dramatic aria. Jade visions.
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Chris Keefe brings his mainstream piano into the lead with bass extraordinaire Harvie S and drummer Adam Nussbaum for a mix of originals and covers. His pulse is subtle on the easy waltz/swing of “Modern” and has soft hands with the bassist for the samba’d “Chobim”. He gives an agonizing intro to “I Fall In Love To Easy” and has a classy staccato cadence on “Dream” while taking the baton from Harvi S’s intro to “Along Came Betty” and cruising like a 49 Buick. The team works well together, like a working band, as Nussbaum guides well with sticks on a clever “Just In Time” and leads the bop on “Got A Chick?”. Bass Weejun classic wear.