New York City native
Jonny King
was one of the Young Lions to emerge on the jazz scene in the early '90s. The pianist recorded with trombonist
Eric Felten
and composer/arranger
Anthony Branker
and led a few record dates of his own, in addition to being recognized for his gifts as a composer, though he also had a busy law practice.
Above All
features him with a veteran rhythm section consisting of bassist
Ed Howard
and drummer
Victor Lewis
, with whom he has worked extensively. In his liner notes,
King
credits his bandmates with contributing suggestions that fine-tuned approaches to his originals, which explains why everything comes together so well. Following the breezy post-bop opener "The Merry-Go-Round,"
shifts gears with the poignant "Above All," a rich ballad dedicated to his late father that changes its mood from melancholy to joy as the arrangement shifts from the piano solo to trio. His intricate "Lullaby for Cecelia" is a shimmering waltz, while "Like It Is" is a compelling blend of funk and Latin. The snappy "Neither Here Nor There" showcases
Howard
extensively before
takes over with his intensive workout at the piano. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden