Perambulation David Hazeltine Artist

Pianist {|David Hazeltine|}'s previous albums have elicited comparisons to {|Oscar Peterson|} and {|Cedar Walton|}. But those whose first exposure to his playing is this trio recording for the Dutch {|Criss Cross|} label might walk away thinking more... Read more

Pianist {|David Hazeltine|}'s previous albums have elicited comparisons to {|Oscar Peterson|} and {|Cedar Walton|}. But those whose first exposure to his playing is this trio recording for the Dutch {|Criss Cross|} label might walk away thinking more in terms of {|Bill Evans|}; for the most part, {|Hazeltine|}'s playing here is elegantly restrained and quietly romantic, despite a noticeable undercurrent of intense emotion. The original plan was for this album to be a quartet date featuring the very fine saxophonist {|Eric Alexander|}, but {|Alexander|} had to cancel at the last minute and {|Hazeltine|} decided to make the most of the situation with a mixed program of {|standards|} and originals in trio arrangements. Bassist {|Peter Washington|} is especially impressive here, following {|Hazeltine|} with almost telepathic sympathy on a reflective interpretation of {|Lush Life|} and an interesting uptempo setting of {|Love for Sale.|} {|Hazeltine|} himself plays almost impressionistically at times, and his own boppish {|Perambulation|} and sturdily swinging {|This Is for Seamus|} are particular highlights on a very enjoyable album. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson Less