Trish Ramsten - Eclectic (2002)

Trish Ramsten, a talented pianist/vocalist based in Rockford, IL (90 miles outside of Chicago), is a very appealing performer. Her piano playing, inspired by Bill Evans, Gene Harris, and Monty Alexander, is quite individual and her vocals are warm and heartfelt. For her debut recording, she performs with bassist Ken Kloweit and either Ed Bogdonas or Bob Rummage on drums; "Lush Life" and "Losing My Mind" are unaccompanied features for the leader. Four numbers add Ken Stein on flute or clarinet, and the great altoist Richie Cole has welcome appearances on his "D.C. Farewell," "Misty," "Willow Weep for Me," and "Samba de Orpheus," adding a lot of fire and some eccentricity to the set. Otherwise, Trish Ramsten is the main star and she consistently shows that she deserves to be much better known. Worth searching for.