Myriam Alter - Silent Walk (2021)

Although Myriam Alter can play fine piano, this release is most notable for the many original lyrical melodies she contributed. Other than the closing blues "Flues" (which gives the musicians an opportunity to blow freely), each of the pieces (Alter wrote all ten songs) has intriguing chord changes, themes that are often quite memorable and a purpose. In fact, Alter would be well advised to team up with a lyricist in the future, for one could easily imagine some of these melodies being sung and potentially becoming standards. The Dutch musicians (all obscure in the U.S.) are quite talented. Both trumpeter Gino Lattuca and altoist Ben Sluijs display appealing tones and strong improvising styles while being careful to stick to the original moods of the themes. Also joined by bassist Stefan Lievestro and drummer Jan de Haas, the leader mostly keeps her piano solos brief, and her music ("Flues" is the longest at 6:18) is given concise interpretations. Myriam Alter has great potential. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow