One of the enduring instrumental combinations for musical expression, whether jazz or classical, is the piano trio. The great jazz pianists from
Teddy Wilson and
Art Tatum through
Bill Evans and
Oscar Peterson to
Brad Mehldau and
Keith Jarrett have used this vehicle for their personal jazz expressions. With this offering, Seattle-based
Dave Peck knocks on the door to be admitted to this exalted company. On the jazz scene as a performer, arranger, and composer for more than 25 years,
Peck is no newcomer. His performing credentials include sideman assignments with such notables as
Chet Baker,
Sonny Stitt,
Lee Konitz, and
Art Farmer. He has worked with
Bud Shank as arranger/composer since 1985.
Peck's approach to the piano falls somewhere between
Bill Evans and
Oscar Peterson, with some
Thelonious Monk influence on
Peck's "If...Then...." Admittedly a wide gap, but plausible here. There's that wonderful thoughtful lyricism that characterizes
Evans' work, but he adds a little more embellishment to his playing than the late master, nudging closer (not close) to
Oscar Peterson. This respectable uniting of styles is apparent in a perceptive seven-and-a-half minute exploration of "Star Eyes," where every aspect of this popular 1943 classic standard is probed, pushed, pulled, and prodded by
Peck and his cohorts. And his cohorts are critical to the success of this session. Dean Hodges' drums set the pace without ever becoming intrusive, staying with the traditional role of a drummer in a small group.
Chuck Deardorf, on the other hand, gets ample opportunity to enliven the musical feast with his refreshing bass solos. He is especially telling on "If I Were a Bell" and on
Monk's "Eronel." With a play list of jazz and classic standards, Brazilian rhythms, and originals by
Peck,
3 and 1 is welcomed to the jazz piano trio literature with open arms. Recommended. [The unusual label moniker Let's Play Stella finds its derivation in a joke about the naming of
Peck's dog, now dubbed Stella.] ~ Dave Nathan