The Dan Cray Trio's third recording is their most rewarding thus far. The many hours spent playing together really show, as pianist
Cray, bassist
Clark Sommers, and drummer
Greg Wyser-Pratte all communicate very well, often seeming to think as one. Their interpretations of a variety of jazz standards (plus three originals) are full of subtle surprises, including the classical-oriented introduction to "Just One of Those Things" and the unusual rhythmic patterns given "When You Wish Upon a Star." One can hear bits of
Keith Jarrett and
Brad Mehldau in some of the improvisations, but in reality the Dan Cray Trio have their own identity within jazz's modern mainstream. Recommended.