George Cables made a series of excellent CDs for Steeplechase during the 1990s, one of which is
Skylark, a fun trio studio session with bassist
Jay Anderson and drummer
Tootie Heath. Starting with a brisk take of
Blue Mitchell's enticing calypso "Fungii Mama," the pianist offers a well-conceived set. A trio of tunes by great Brazilian composers include a snappy take of "Manha De Carnaval," a driving "Samba De Orfeu," and an usually upbeat take of the normally relaxed "A Felicidade."
Cables also offers fresh approaches to the standards "Skylark" and "Someday My Prince Will Come." His easygoing stroll through
Thelonious Monk's "Pannonica" is followed by his sole original of the date, "Dolahin," a spirited blend of calypso and Latin rhythms.