Although he has never had much fame,
Hod O'Brien was one of the top bebop pianists of the 1990s. His style is straight from
Bud Powell and
Al Haig (there are no
Bill Evans voicings), yet does not sound derivative and reflects his own musical personality. On this excellent CD,
O'Brien is teamed with bassist
Ray Drummond and drummer
Kenny Washington in a trio. He performs seven standards (including "There's No You," "You & the Night & the Music," and "Yardbird Suite") plus three of his swinging originals (highlighted by "Portrait of Stephanie" for his wife, singer
Stephanie Nakasian).
O'Brien has always been a very consistent player, so all of his occasional recordings are well worth picking up. This excellent outing is no exception. ~ Scott Yanow