Anthony Wonsey
was already one of the top pianists of his generation, but he developed his chops considerably over the five-year stretch since his previous date as a leader. In a trio set with bassist
Richie Goods
and drummer
Tony Reedus
,
Wonsey
delivers a mix of
standards
classic jazz
compositions, and his delightful originals, making for a well-paced CD.
's jaunty take of
"Nobody Else But Me"
shows off his striding left hand. The brisk arrangement of
"Just You, Just Me"
has a dissonant flavor reminiscent of
Thelonious Monk
, yet it swings like mad. He retains the lyricism of
Bill Evans
' signature tune,
"Waltz for Debby,"
while also adding his own dazzling touch. He introduces
Jimmy Rowles
'
"The Peacocks"
with a lush descending run, then delves into a richly textured arrangement as the rhythm section joins him. His hard-charging take of
Charlie Parker
's
blues
"Relaxin' at Camarillo"
salutes
Tommy Flanagan
and
Elvin Jones
, who recorded it on
Flanagan
's album
Overseas
.
's originals are also remarkable.
"Damn That Reality"
is a well-disguised reworking of the chord changes to the
standard
"Darn That Dream,"
transformed into a driving
hard bop
vehicle.
"Brother Hiroshi"
honors Tokyo club owner
Hiroshi Imaizumi
, who has employed him for extended regular gigs. This strutting
post-bop
original is drenched in a
feeling.
also revisits and expands upon his own
"Black Fairy Tales,"
a lyrical
waltz
that he first recorded on his debut recording as a leader. Throughout the date, both
provide terrific support for this very talented pianist. ~ Ken Dryden