Peter Bernstein's second CD as a leader reunites him with pianist
Brad Mehldau and once again features him in a quartet. However, both
Bernstein and
Mehldau had grown quite a bit as soloists during the previous two years (the pianist really tears into "Nobody Else but Me") and this time they are joined by the virtuosic bassist
Christian McBride and drummer
Gregory Hutchinson. In addition, the songs (five
Bernstein originals and four standards) are stronger and challenge the soloists to play at their best. Among the highlights are "Jet Stream," "Jive Coffee" (
Bernstein's sly revision of "Tea for Two"), "Will You Still Be Mine," and a tasteful "My Ideal" in addition to "Nobody Else but Me." An excellent effort. ~ Scott Yanow