After venturing into funk-soul territory with 2011's The Vox, Belgian pianist
Eric Legnini returns to more traditional jazz fare with his ninth studio album,
Ballads. Joined by bassist Thomas Bramerie and drummer Franck Agulhon, its 15 acoustic tracks include covers of popular standards penned by the likes of
Duke Ellington ("In a Sentimental Mood," "Prelude to a Kiss"), Ira Gershwin ("I Can't Get Started"), and Kern & Harbach ("Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"), alongside five original compositions. ~ Jon O'Brien