Lynne Arriale has made her mark with a number of CDs of her own during her career. This predominantly trio date with bassist
Omer Avital and drummer Anthony Pinciotti, adding tenor saxophonist
Bill McHenry on several songs, mixes originals and covers of pop songs.
Arriale's songwriting skills match her chops at the piano. The driving post-bop vehicle "Elements" provides a solid opener for
Arriale's trio, with the pianist's unpredictable blues constantly shifting. Her rambunctious Irish jig "Convergence" features
McHenry's powerful tenor and
Arriale's furious solo. "The Simple Things" is a low-key, lyrical ballad played by the trio. The infectious "Here and Now" draws from multiple musical influences from around the world, showcasing
McHenry's wailing tenor. The Middle Eastern-flavored "Dance of the Rain" includes an unidentified oud player, with Pinciotti presumably being playing the hand percussion.
Arriale also shines with her fresh interpretations of
the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun,"
Sting's "Sister Moon," and
the Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black." Only
Nine Inch Nails' "Something I Can Never Have" never manages to gain traction. ~ Ken Dryden