Pianist
Mike LeDonne, whose main influence is
McCoy Tyner, mostly sounds pretty original throughout this swinging trio set. Teamed with bassist
Ron Carter and drummer
Joe Farnsworth,
LeDonne contributes two originals and comes up with fresh variations on a variety of jazz standards. Among the highlights are
LeDonne's "JB,"
John Coltrane's "After the Rain" (which is not recorded very often), "I Should Care," and "Alone Together." While
Carter and
Farnsworth get their spots to solo,
Mike LeDonne is the main star throughout and is heard in prime form. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow