Recorded in a simple trio format with bassist
Brian Bromberg and drummer
Gregg Bissonette,
Standards is about as close as smooth jazz pianist
David Benoit has come to the classic post-bop West Coast sound that's always been one of his primary inspirations.
Benoit is simply not an adventurous soul as either a bandleader or a pianist, and so
Standards consists mostly of familiar songs (
John Lewis' "Django,"
Thelonious Monk's "Straight No Chaser,"
Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby,"
Dave Brubeck's "Blue Rondo à la Turk") given safe, pretty performances that never come close to re-invention. It's simply not in
Benoit's nature to take risks, but to a listener on the pianist's mellow wavelength, these performances are both technically excellent and completely heartfelt. The choice of a couple obscurities by
Henry Mancini and
Neal Hefti adds an idiosyncratic personal touch as well. Bold and audacious it may not be, but
Standards is a low-key delight.