George Cables focuses primarily on works by other jazz pianists on this trio date with bassist
Jay Anderson and drummer
Billy Hart. Thoughtful treatments of
Thelonious Monk's "Ruby, My Dear" and
Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" contrast with the elaborate workouts of two
Herbie Hancock tunes, the easygoing "Dolphin Dance" and the rapid-fire "One Finger Snap." The sole standard is a brisk rendition of "Alone Together."
Don Pullen's quirky "Ah George, We Hardly Knew You" adds an exotic air.
Cables' two originals especially stand out. "Dark Side, Light Side" is an intricate post-bop vehicle with an infectious tension-and-release highlighted by
Cables' breezy improvising in a swinging setting, while "Sweet Rita Suite" is actually a Spanish-flavored waltz in disguise. This is another fine recording from
George Cables' productive association with Steeplechase.