b de Mile

In the days before punk rock, Kursaal Flyers straddled the line separating pub rock and power pop. The line was so thin it would seem to disappear in the rearview mirror, but when Kursaal Flyers were active in the mid-'70s, they were subtly pulled in two different directions. They'd tour on the same circuit as their friends Dr. Feelgood, but they also signed to Jonathan King's company in 1975, then worked with pop impresario Mike Batt after singing to CBS for The Golden Mile in 1976. Batt gave "Little Does She Know" a grandiose arrangement designed to conjure memories of Phil Spector, and it was enough for the single to crack the U.K. Top 20; however, instead of being their breakthrough, it was their only hit.

Denver-based pianist Eric Lilley creates a mile high trio with bassist Mark Diamond and drummer Paul Romaine on this collection of creative originals. Lilley’s got a confident touch, and he knows how to swing, demonstrating a nice pulse on the bouncy “Luck of the Draw” and the bopper “Burnt Ribs” that has everyone dig in deep. The team shows alacrity on the clever waltz “Tournesol” and the tricky “Twirler” that mixes a dash of Monk with post modern musings. Lilley shows his more sensitive side on the gorgeous “Zooey” that has simpatico support and interplay throughout. Any trips to the West Coast?