This trio date marks the recording debut as a leader of pianist
Martin Sasse, and it's obvious from the start that he possesses well-developed chops. He's accompanied by bassist Henning Gailing and drummer Hendrik Smock. One could easily imagine his versatile opener, "Groove Machine," being played by
Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers; the piece is an infectious mix of hard bop, groove, and modal jazz. His tribute to
McCoy Tyner, "Dear McCoy," is a hard-swinging blues. A brisk treatment of trumpeter
Tom Harrell's ballad "Sail Away" plus fresh versions of the show tune "On a Clear Day" and the infrequently performed "I Had the Craziest Dream" round out this recommended CD. ~ Ken Dryden