Anthony Wonsey Trio - Anthonyology (1995)

Originally released in Japan in 1995, this is pianist Anthony Wonsey's debut as a leader. On Anthonyology, the Chicago native enlists the services of bassist Christian McBride and drummer Carl Allen to perform three originals, three standards, and four jazz compositions. Only 24 at the time of this recording, Wonsey doesn't dazzle with technique, but displays lyricism and soulfulness in the tradition of influences Hank Jones, Tommy Flanagan, and Mulgrew Miller, while McBride and Allen, two-thirds of pianist Benny Green's trio during the early '90s, offer solid support. Favorites include up-tempo versions of McCoy Tyner's "Inception" and Clifford Brown's "Daahoud"; a swinging version of Wynton Kelly's rarely played "Temperance"; and Wonsey's "Hey Jimmy," a relaxed swinger named for a Boston cab driver who taught Wonsey some of Bud Powell's music. This is a delightful debut from a fine young musician. -- Greg Turner