Pianist Steve Allee mixes seven originals and several covers on this mostly straight-ahead trio date with bassist Bill Moring and drummer Tim Horner. "Dragonfly" is the infectious title track, initially a brisk tune built upon a repeated motif, with Moring featured in its loping, bluesy centerpiece. His lush, laconic treatment of Leonard Bernstein's "Somewhere" is a subtle affair, while his breezy, amusing treatment of "If I Were a Bell" honors the late Oscar Peterson as a part of his "Dedication Suite," adding "Conversation with Bill" and "Thaddeus," respectively saluting Bill Evans and Thad Jones. Tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, a veteran of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra and a fine leader in his own right, is a guest on the Cuban-flavored "Bus to Belmopan" and the upbeat funky blues "Yummy." Many listeners frown upon exploration of tunes from modern rock, as the songs often are too banal to work in a jazz setting, but Allee's adaptation of Coldplay's "X&Y" works rather well. The only misfire is his somewhat monotonous original "Hip Factor," in which Allee incorporates electric keyboards and adds alto saxophonist Rob Dixon.
© Ken Dryden /TiVo