Phil DeGreg Trio - Table For Three (2003)

A fine straight-ahead pianist, Phil DeGreg is on the faculty of the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music. On this excellent set he is heard at the head of two working trios, recorded in 1993 and 1994. The familiarity of the musicians with each other is obvious, for they often think as one. The repertoire is high quality with excellent standards (including "It Might as Well Be Spring," "Anthropology," and Bud Powell's "Hallucinations") alternating with a few obscurities, including Tom Harrell's "Sail Away," Clare Fischer's "Elizele," and DeGreg's "Carol's Waltz." Whether jamming a bop tune or sounding sensitive on ballads, DeGreg shows that he deserves to be much better known. This CD is easily recommended. © Scott Yanow