For this enjoyable disc, pianist Fred Hersch (along with bassist Drew Gress and drummer Tom Rainey) creates inventive versions of a dozen songs by 11 jazz composers (including Hersch’s tribute to Bill Evans, "Evanessence"). Whether it be "Milestones,""Con Alma,""Moment's Notice," or a pair of Thelonious Monk tunes, Hersch and his trio are heard in top form, and they sound particularly inspired by the superior material. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. Milestones (Miles Davis)
02. Iris (Miles Davis / Wayne Shorter)
03. Played Twice (Thelonious Monk)
04. Con Alma (Dizzy illespie)
05. Mood Indigo (Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills)
06. Speak Like a Child (Herbie Hancock)
07. Evanessence (Fred Hersch)
08. Think of One (Thelonious Monk)
09. Day Dream (Duke Ellington / John Latouche / Billy Strayhorn)
10. Forerunner (Ornette Coleman)
11. Moment’s Notice (John Coltrane)
12. Doxy (Sonny Rollins)
FRED HERSCH piano
DREW GRESS bass
TOM RAINEY drums
Recorded February 16th and 17th, 1994 at MasterSound Studios, Astoria Queens, NY
Chesky JD116