Jason Smith feat. Gary Husband and Dave Carpenter - Tipping Point (2007)

The team of drummer Jason Smith, keyboardist Gary Husband and bassist Dave Carpenter works very well together on this explorative and frequently telepathic collaboration. Recorded live at Los Angeles' legendary Jazz Bakery, the trio performs works by Denny Zeitlin, John McLaughlin, Keith Jarrett, Kenny Wheeler, Jerome Kern and Jimmy Webb in addition to a lengthy workout on Husband's "Three Lies." While there are some meandering moments since the musicians are really stretching out and taking chances, the performances are all quite successful, particularly an up-tempo and somewhat jubilant version of Zeitlin's "Carole's Garden." Husband is a bit more distinctive on piano than on electric piano, but he bends the primitive sounding electronics to suit his purposes. Carpenter's solos are always thought-provoking and Smith never stops pushing the other musicians. "Up Up and Away" and "The Way You Look Tonight" are given new life. Recommended. © Scott Yanow