The German In and Out label captured the sold-out performance of the
Golden Striker Trio in San Sebastian on the last evening of their 2012 European tour. Bassist
Ron Carter re-assembled with pianist
Mulgrew Miller and guitarist
Russell Malone, who had initially played together on the 2003 studio album The Golden Striker on Blue Note. The trio's moniker is borrowed from the
John Lewis composition from 1960, a fitting name as the slightly introspective brand of chamber jazz is similar to the
Modern Jazz Quartet but not quite as restrained. Alongside the
John Lewis tune, the five tracks feature two
Ron Carter compositions, "Candle Light" and "Saudade," the standard "My Funny Valentine," and
Luiz Bonfá's "Samba de Orpheus." The limited-edition version of the CD also includes a bonus DVD of the concert with a rendition of Oscar Pettiford's "Laverne Walk," not available on the CD. ~ Al Campbell