A fine modern mainstream straight-ahead jazz pianist based in Chicago,
Ron Surace explores a dozen standards and two of his originals on this trio set.
Surace, who is ably backed by the very versatile bassist Tatsu Aoki and drummer Dave Pavkovic, has his own fresh chord voicings and is not shy to play songs at unexpected tempos (including starting and ending "'Deed I Do" surprisingly slow) when he feels that it suits the piece. Overall, his playing is both conventional and personal,
Surace having developed his own sound and approach out of the tradition. He makes most of these standards, even the overplayed ones such as "Caravan" and "Skylark," sound fresh, taking an occasional number as a solo showcase. Fans of jazz piano trios will enjoy this date. ~ Scott Yanow