In this final recording with pianist
Michel Petrucciani, saxophonist
Grossman's usually more extroverted tendencies are willingly sublimated in order to play more romantically inclined mainstream jazz. Many of the tunes are ballads, embellished by
Petrucciani's languid or forceful pianistics, while solid bassist
Andy McKee and drummer
Joe Farnsworth keep the flickering flame alive with their steadying rhythms.
Of course the fire has to be stoked on occasion, and
Grossman really digs in on the
Sonny Rollins evergreen "Why Dont I?" It's perfectly played, a flawless uptempo swinger with head nodding, bluesy elements. Contrasting easy swing with double timed tenor on "Don't Blame Me" shows
Grossman as riled up as he gets on this date. There's a samba take of "You Go To My Head" with
Petrucciani's solo sporting 16th note flurries, and a moody, pensive waltz version of
McKee's "Inner Circle" similar to "You Go To My Head." Two tunes go from ballad to swing and back,
Grossman's "Song For My Mother" with the pianist quite animated in the bridge, and
Petrucciani's "Parisian Welcome" brought in exclusively for this session, with
Grossman the torch burner. The others are straight ballads including classic takes of "Body & Soul" and "Theme For Ernie," the lugubrious interpretation with a highly restrained
Petrucciani on "Ebb Tide," and the sax-piano only rendition of "In A Sentimental Mood" as the CD's closer. Fans of
Grossman should not wince at this apparent taming of the shrew. In fact,
Grossman's pungent tone, never smeary or over pronounced, retains its rich, expressive listenability and tunefulness. It's a beautifully understated recording that is easily recommended, especially for those just discovering veteran
Grossman. ~ Michael G. Nastos