A giant of avant-garde jazz bass, William Parker has soared in various cutting-edge contexts as a leader and with fellow titans Roscoe Mitchell, Cecil Taylor, and David S. Ware. LUC'S LANTERN is something of a departure--it's a piano trio session that evokes the poignant lyricism and straightforward intimacy of 1960s works by Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, and Monty Alexander. While there are indeed "free" moments, LANTERN, on the whole, shines a contemplative, relaxing, and slightly melancholy light. Pianist Eriko Yamamoto has a very rhapsodic, pointed, and measured style--she chooses notes assiduously, yet never sounds tentative. Drummer Michael Thompson's playing is crisp, sharp, and rhythmic, and Parker's warmly discerning approach (recalling that of Ray Brown and Scott LaFaro) is perfect for these concise trio gems.