The fine New York-based pianist
Linda Presgrave performs music by a variety of top female jazz musicians on this adventurous post-bop set. In addition to her five originals, there are obscure compositions by
Shirley Scott,
Mary Lou Williams, Melba Liston, and
Alice Coltrane plus a piece co-written by
Marian McPartland and
Peggy Lee and the set's only standard, Ann Ronell's "Willow Weep for Me." Utilizing two different rhythm sections,
Presgrave is joined on six of the dozen selections by soprano saxophonist Stan Chovnick. Three of those numbers also have
Oliver Lake on alto and flute.
Lake, best known for his work in avant-garde settings, sounds quite at home in this modern mainstream set. The main star, however, is
Linda Presgrave, whose piano style is pretty original and whose five songs are worth exploring. Recommended. ~
Scott Yanow