If it were not for
Michel Petrucciani's good taste, it is likely that his very impressive technique would dominate his solos. As it is, the pianist has been able to use his technique in surprising ways, avoiding the obvious and showing self-restraint while coming up with ingenious ideas in his improvisations. This solo album, his first for an American label, finds
Petrucciani exploring pieces by
Ornette Coleman,
Charlie Haden, and
Sonny Rollins, in addition to two of his own songs and a lengthy wandering medley that somehow incorporates "Someday My Prince Will Come," "All the Things You Are," "A Child Is Born," and
Bill Evans' "Very Early" into a collage. A very impressive outing. ~ Scott Yanow