Pete Malinverni - This Time (1997)

A fine pianist based in New York, Pete Malinverni displays versatility on this high-quality hard bop session. Among the pianist's four originals are a tribute to Herbie Nichols ("A Line for Nichols") and the spiritual-oriented "Psalm 100." He also plays a tender version of the traditional "Deep River" and swings on "Beautiful Love," while taking "How Deep Is the Ocean" as a jazz waltz. With bassist Dennis Irwin and drummer Leroy Williams accompanying him quite sympathetically, Pete Malinverni is heard throughout in top form. Why isn't he better known?

Review by Scott Yanow