A fine pianist based in New York, Pete Malinverni displays versatility on this high-quality hard bop session. Among the pianist's four originals are a tribute to
Herbie Nichols ("A Line for Nichols") and the spiritual-oriented "Psalm 100." He also plays a tender version of the traditional "Deep River" and swings on "Beautiful Love," while taking "How Deep Is the Ocean" as a jazz waltz. With bassist
Dennis Irwin and drummer
Leroy Williams accompanying him quite sympathetically, Pete Malinverni is heard throughout in top form. Why isn't he better known? ~ Scott Yanow