Tete Montoliu's sixth release for Steeplechase is a very rewarding studio date, with the blind pianist being accompanied by bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. Fans of hard bop will enjoy the extended opener, "Invitation," which gives each of the musicians an opportunity to solo. The fireworks continue with a lively interpretation of "Lover Man," which starts with
Montoliu's virtuoso solo introduction.
John Coltrane's "Some Other Blues" is also fertile ground for the trio's improvisations, as is J. J. Johnson's pretty ballad "Lament." The pianist turns on the afterburners as he launches his furious original "Tootie's Tempo." The closer is a rich arrangement of "Darn That Dream." This CD is highly recommended, as are all of
Tete Montoliu's recordings for Steeplechase. ~ Ken Dryden