Here pianist
Kenny Werner debuts a new trio, with bassist Johannes Weidenmüller and drummer
Ari Hoenig. The set, recorded live in Paris, begins with
Werner's "Amonkst" (previously recorded with Dave Holland and
Jack DeJohnette on 1998's A Delicate Balance). The rest of the program is mostly non-original; some of the workhorses from
Werner's older trio's repertoire are freshly reconsidered. "Nardis" and "Dolphin Dance" are played in seven, while Bill Evans' "Time Remembered" is prefaced by an unaccompanied
Werner solo titled "Bill Remembered." The Evans tune segues seamlessly into a roaring "Lonnie's Lament," played up-tempo, much like
Joe Lovano did on his 1994 Quartets record. Another highlight is
Werner's stirring adaptation of Bach's "Sicilienne," which he also sets up with a lovely solo prelude. ~ David R. Adler