Denny Zeitlin - Solo Voyage (2005)

A brilliant pianist influenced by his contemporary Bill Evans but long having his own approach to modern mainstream jazz, Denny Zeitlin performs solo on this disc, sometimes augmenting his piano with an atmospheric synthesizer. He performs two standards and three originals (including the free improvisation "Walking, Prancing, Marching, Dancing" and his well-known "Quiet Now") to start off the date. The remainder is the eight-part "Solo Voyage," which was put together for a dying friend. It consists of three standards, three preludes or interludes, and the two sections of "Moving Parts." Much of the music is played out of tempo and is quite thoughtful, succeeding both as background music and for close listening. Zeitlin sounds creative throughout this fine project. -- Scott Yanow