Niels Lan Doky - Close Encounter (1990)

The fine Danish pianist Niels Lan Doky is featured on his sixth of many sets as a leader, teaming up with bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Alex Riel. Lan Doky performs six of his originals (including "Seeds," "The Ditty" and "The Blues") plus a thoughtful version of "Secret Love." The interplay between the musicians on this fairly explorative postbop date is impressive as are Lan Doky's fresh ideas. None of the originals were destined to become standards but the improvising is at a consistently high level, making this a worthwhile effort.

Review by Scott Yanow