Dave McKenna - Easy Street (1995) Lossless

The perfect way to hear pianist Dave McKenna is on his solo records; fortunately he has recorded quite a few for Concord. McKenna enjoys performing sets of music with thematic titles. The first seven songs on this date all have something to do with a street (from "Broadway" and "Basin Street Blues" to "Street of Dreams" and "On the Street Where You Live"). After playing his original "Cat's Cradle" and "My Honey's Lovin' Arms," McKenna performs four songs with "Gone" in its title before concluding the program with "Theodore the Thumper." One of the top swing pianists of the 1980s and '90s, Easy Street features McKenna's driving baselines on some of the faster pieces. This is an enjoyable set that gives listeners a strong example of Dave McKenna's talents. Review by Scott Yanow