The first of three CDs made by Three of a Kind for Minor Music during the mid-'90s, this session mixes standards, well-known jazz compositions, and originals. Pianist
Peter Madsen, bassist Dwayne Dolphin, and drummer
Bruce Cox are a middle-of-the-road bop trio, concentrating on teamwork and strong solos, without any unnecessary flash. They bring new life to chestnuts like "I'm Old Fashioned" and "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye," while also finding something fresh to explore within the jazz canon, including
Sonny Rollins' "Paul's Pal" and
Tadd Dameron's "On a Misty Night." Each musician also contributes an original to the session that inspires his partners. This is a great disc that will become increasingly hard to find, since it is no longer in print. ~ Ken Dryden