Andy LaVerne's long relationship with Steeplechase has produced many memorable dates, and this trio session of original works, with bassist
Jay Anderson and drummer
Billy Hart, is no exception. The lively, constantly shifting opener "Fire Wire" is actually based on the chord changes to "Stella by Starlight," but one has to play close attention. "Where or When" is a bittersweet ballad (which has no relation to the standard "Where or When"), while "Wholistic" seems to have its roots as a blues, but the wild improvisation that is built upon its base is pure magic. "Sudden Wealth Syndrome," although a funny title, is a driving post-bop piece with dark overtones and a catchy hook. While it is unlikely that any of
LaVerne's tunes may catch on well enough to become jazz standards, they will stand up to repeated listening over the decades very nicely indeed.