Renee Rosnes - Black Narcissus (2008)

Canadian pianist Renee Rosnes' brand-new trio recording is, in her own words, "a celebration of the music and life of Joe Henderson." Rosnes moved from Vancouver to New York in 1986, and the tenor titan was one of the first to hire her. They toured the world together, and had a beautiful musical relationship.
In this latest release from M&I, Rosnes is paired with the strongest rhythm section a pianist could ask for -- Peter Washington on bass and Lewis Nash on drums -- and plays Henderson's compositions and jazz standards he played often. Many of the arrangements are reflective of what they used to play together.
While Washington and Nash support the leader superbly and turn in great solos when they are called for, it is Rosnes who is front and center in this great trio album. She shines with her beautiful tone, crisp touch, precise rhythm and great swing. Her technique is brilliant, and she shows her deep understanding of the bebop and modal traditions of jazz piano.
As we come to expect from all M&I releases, the sound quality of the recording is also superb. A very strong piano trio album. Highly recommended!
Produced by Makoto Kimata and Todd Barkan. Recorded by Katherine Miller at Bennett Studios, NJ on January 30 & 31, 2008.