Larry Bluth, Don Messina, Bill Chattin - Formations (Live) (2000)

This absolutely delightful gem features the quirky piano of Larry Bluth leading his trio through a set of mostly standards. Bluth's often brooding interpretations of such popular numbers as "There Will Never be Another You," "All of Me," and "She's Funny that Way" are fascinating to hear, as he infuses some dusty tunes with entirely new life. His horn-like forays coupled with good use of the left hand and plenty of block chords establish the pianist as a highly creative voice. His solos dissect melodies systematically though stealthily, quietly forging offbeat paths. The two Bluth originals are actually reworkings of "What is this Thing Called Love" and "The Best Thing for You is Me." The freely improvised "Formations" is based on the changes to "All the Things You Are." Bassist Don Messina and drummer Bill Chatlin offer unobtrusive, though effective, support. Steve Loewy /TiVo