Jim McNeely's 1989 trio session with bassist
Mike Richmond and drummer Kenny Washington is a proverbial "hidden gem" in his discography. The pianist's advanced yet accessible compositions include the dramatic opener, "Winds of Change," which starts in a Latin setting with shades of
Igor Stravinsky's early ballets, along with the haunting "Brooder's Waltz." Another original, "Power Gap," features the leader on DX-7 and showcases Washington's superb brushwork. Since
McNeely is a veteran of
the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, it shouldn't be surprising that he is a fan of
Jones' compositions. His touching take of "Yours and Mine" and the gently swinging interpretation of "Quietude" would have pleased
Jones. Washington opens
Thelonious Monk's "Bye-Ya" unaccompanied, while
McNeely's rollicking arrangement has a Latin undercurrent. ~ Ken Dryden