Jacky Terrasson finds new routes into familiar compositions on these 1993 sessions for the Japanese Venus label. Well accompanied by bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer
Leon Parker, the pianist dives head first into a rousing, if unusual version of
Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee," initially kicking off an explosive vamp to play against its theme, though he eventually discards the vamp in favor of a more conventional, though thoroughly post-bop approach to this bop classic. Likewise,
Terrasson introduces
Miles Davis with a good bit of drama, even if he is more direct in his improvised introduction than
Bill Evans was in his final years. The pianist's arrangement of
Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way" is particularly haunting, with his surprising chords in the bassline, then eases up a bit as he gets into a funky mood.
Terrasson has just as much fun with standards like "Broadway" and "Love for Sale," while also proving himself as a promising composer with two strong originals. ~ Ken Dryden