This excellent post-bop trio date matches together pianist
Jeff Colella (whose style is a bit influenced by
Bill Evans and
Paul Bley), bassist Eric Von Essen, and drummer Kendall Kay.
Colella contributes two originals and there are three by Von Essen (on one of his last recordings) plus the obscure "With the Spirit of Joy" and
Thelonious Monk's "Monk's Dream." The musicians work quite well together (it is obvious that they had a long-term musical relationship) and they often improvise together as one, coming up with surprising ideas along the way. A stimulating set of inside/outside music, tied to the hard bop tradition but often quite free and never dull. ~ Scott Yanow