Although has done great work as a member of 's band, he is at his absolute best in a trio setting such as this. His previous effort, , never managed to take flight; it was as though 's hands were tied by the quartet format. But here he returns in top form on his third release, an all-original trio outing. The formidable pianist is supported by on bass and on drums, the very rhythm section that appears on 's equally excellent trio album of the same year. ranks as one of 's most swinging, inspired compositions to date. Other highlights include the frenetic, polyrhythmic the funky and complex and the ambitious rubato-to-swing 's solos on the slow and the up-tempo are also show-stoppers, as is 's solo on the latter. At times, 's playing and writing can seem coldly technical, but he is nonetheless one of the most compelling pianists on the scene. Along with 1995's self-titled disc and 1998's , is an essential entry in his steadily growing catalog. ~ David R. Adler