Pianist Ethan Iverson, on his second Blue Note album since leaving The Bad Plus brings together a pair of trios with Thomas Morgan/b-Kush Abadey/dr and Simon Willson/b-Vinnie Sperrazza/d, both with the leader showing much influence by Thelonious Monk in terms of colors and harmonies.
However, Iverson’s own world view does come through clearly, even on Monk’s “Round Midnight” there is some eerie howling supplied by Rob Schwimmer that will cause the hairs of your neck to stand on end. Iverson splashes around the bluesy bass on the title tune, and gives a staccato pulse on the bopping “Victory Is Assured (Alla Breve)” and “It’s Fine To Decline” is filled with ricochets. Iverson turns the soul classic “Killing Me Softly” into a nocturne, and a three part “Piano Sonata” ranges from dark assertiveness to stately work in the upper register and a fun and free wide stride of the fingers. Monk’s moods.