There is plenty of variety on this set.
Rick DellaRatta is both a talented post-bop pianist and an occasional vocalist who sometimes sounds a bit like
Chet Baker.
DellaRatta's piano solos are pretty advanced at times (within jazz's modern mainstream) and particularly well showcased on "Altered Impressions" (during which he builds his solo from the style of
McCoy Tyner's style) and
Bill Evans' "Very Early" while his vocals on the popish "Living Inside A Daydream," "If I Only Had A Brain"and "Everything I Have Is Yours" could appeal beyond a jazz audience. In addition to fine support from bassist
Eddie Gomez and drummer
Lenny White,
DellaRatta is joined on a few selections by the thoughtful but passionate saxophonist
Dave Liebman, who is well featured on "Thought Provoking." Although not well known beyond parts of the East Coast,
Rick DellaRatta is both talented and versatile, certainly deserving of much more recognition. ~ Scott Yanow