Born in Russia but long an American,
Eugene Maslov is a talented and versatile pianist who is heard at his best throughout this release. Most of the selections feature
Maslov in a trio with bassist
Boris Kozlov and either
Vinnie Colaiuta or Joe LaBarbera on drums. Flutist
Hubert Laws is on three songs, two of which also include tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, while the closing "One for My Baby" is an unaccompanied piano solo. Both
Laws and Christlieb add a lot in their guest appearances, although
Maslov is the main star. The music ranges from straight-ahead to a bit funky (particularly "Entente").
Maslov shows off the influence of
Chick Corea in spots (especially on the opening "To My Teacher/To My Friend"), displays very impressive technique, and he can certainly swing up a storm. His six originals are all fun to hear, but it is the three standards ("Django," "One for My Baby," and a blazing version of "The Masquerade Is Over") that take honors. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow