Allen's piano playing covers a broad range of jazz styles, often inviting comparisons to the likes of Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett and Bill Evans. Although quite distinctive and adventurous, this is a relatively conventional outing considering her past collaboration with Charlie Haden and Paul Motian on the Soul Note label.
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Modern Cool Patricia Barber 1998 [Premonition]
Urban pastiche made up mostly of originals sporting pianist/vocalist Barber's delightfully witty lyricism. While the earthier Verse from 2002 would go on to critical acclaim, Modern Cool remains a favourite with her fans. Trumpeter Dave Douglas jazzes things up and Barber proves that intelligence can work in just about any context.
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The Art Of the Trio - Volume Three Brad Mehldau 1998 [Warner]
An achingly romantic set from Bill Evans-inspired pianist Mehldau. Half the record consists of originals, with the rest an inspired selection of standards and covers. The Jorge Rossy/Larry Grenadier rhythm section provides capable support, making this an excellent place to start exploring the work of this fine contemporary pianist.
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Solo Live Michel Petrucciani 1999 [Dreyfus]
Despite being afflicted with glass bones disease which greatly inhibited his physical growth, Petrucciani managed to establish himself as one of contemporary jazz's premier pianists. This solo date from 1998 highlights his mastery of instrumentation and showmanship. Released not long after his death in 1999, Solo is a real heart-wrencher.
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Written in the Stars Bill Charlap Trio 2000 [Blue Note]
Popular mainstream pianist Charlap makes his living by playing jazz standards in a Bill Evans-like fashion. Here he interprets some lesser-known gems by songwriters like the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, and Irving Berlin. While jazz has no shortage of promising young pianists, Charlap proves here he is something special.
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Black Stars Jason Moran 2001 [Blue Note]
The highlight here is the meeting of young pianist Moran with sax legend and elder statesman Sam Rivers. Never straying too far from the Blue Note sound, there is plenty of hard bop mixed in nicely with some freer contemporary elements. Moran also displays compositional maturity beyond his years, penning ten of the album's eleven tracks.
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The Sequel Mulgrew Miller & Wingspan 2002 [Maxjazz]
Journeyman pianist Miller reunited with the quintet he formed in the late-80s to lead this terrific straightahead jazz record. Eight of the 10 tracks are originals, with the wonderful 'Go East Young Man' showcasing some fine soloing by the Wingspan crew. In particular, soprano saxman Steve Wilson is at the top of his game.
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Faces & Places Joe Zawinul 2002 [ESC]
A real mesh-mash of jazz, worldbeat and fusion with a side order of electronica from ex-Weather Report keyboardist Joe Zawinul. While there is some interesting music in places, elsewhere listeners are served with an all-too-retrospective dose of 1970s-style funky fusion. If you liked Weather Report, you'll love it - otherwise steer clear.
