Don Grolnick - The London Concert (2000)

Don Grolnick was a very talented pianist and composer whose death in 1996 at the age of 48 from cancer was a major loss. The modern mainstream jazz heard on London Concert was recorded by the BBC during Grolnick's last jazz tour, but there is no decline in his playing. The five lengthy selections (four of the leader's originals and a passionate version of "What Is This Thing Called Love") are full of adventure and include some of the most exciting recorded solos of tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker and trumpeter Randy Brecker along with excellent spots for Marty Ehrlich (heard on alto and bass clarinet) and trombonist Robin Eubanks. Grolnick's playing is also on a high level, and he sounds quite happy during his verbal introductions. Essential music.