One of the busiest and most dependable musicians of the '90s, pianist
Fred Hersch delivers another strong performance with Point in Time, mixing standards, choice jazz classics, and his own creative originals. His trio with bassist
Drew Gress and drummer
Tom Rainey is featured on four tracks; highlights include his moving rendition of "The Peacocks" and a driving original, "Cat's Paws," dedicated to the late promising pianist
Dave Catney who died a few months before these sessions. Tenor saxophonist
Rich Perry is featured on the delicate arrangement of "Infant Eyes," while trumpeter
Dave Douglas joins
Hersch on the pianist's melancholy but insistent "Too Soon." The full quintet is featured on several songs, including the pianist's pulsating post bop title track as well as on "Evidence," which captures the playfulness of its composer,
Thelonious Monk. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden