Steve Kuhn Trio - Waltz Blue Side (2015) [Hi-Res]

Recorded over the same three-day stretch in May 2002 as Waltz Red Side, this Steve Kuhn trio date covers the same nine standards and originals, though with one important difference: Gary Peacock replaces Eddie Gomez on this CD, with drummer Billy Drummond present on both releases, sticking mostly to brushes. Peacock has long been a potent soloist and supporting player; he projects his sound well, but plays with a bit more reserve than Gomez, while he also refrains from softly singing along (something Peacock would probably be unlikely to do since he has worked regularly with "singing" pianist Keith Jarrett). This version of Henry Mancini's "Charade" finds Kuhn a bit more outgoing, utilizing lots of the sustain pedal. Peacock introduces "Once Upon a Summertime" alone, setting up Kuhn's shimmering arrangement, with the bassist alternating the lead with the pianist. The sauntering take of "My Buddy" (usually more popular with jazz vocalists than instrumentalists) and the dramatic rendition of Kuhn's well-known "Years Later" are also highlights of these sessions.

Review by Ken Dryden