Jazz
Larry Schneider - Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor) Andy LaVerne - Piano Keith Copeland - Drums Mike Richmond - Bass
* Jim Anderson - Engineer * Mark Gardner - Liner Notes * Nils Winther - Photography, Producer
Tenor saxophonist Larry Schneider and pianist Andy LaVerne make a great team. Their follow-up date to an earlier duo session for Steeplechase CD (Bill Evans Person We Knew) adds bassist Mike Richmond and drummer Keith Copeland to create a fiery quartet. LaVerne's "Blind Date" has an infectious hook and will invite obvious comparisons to the classic quartet of John Coltrane. But the heart of the CD is a trio of lush ballads, including "Stardust," "Autumn Leaves," and "Body and Soul," beautifully performed with lyrical treatments. Their buoyant setting of "How My Heart Sings," a favorite of Evans, is first rate, while their hip arrangement of Charles Mingus' "Peggy's Blue Skylight" is the perfect close to a rewarding release. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide |