Jeff Peterson

For Antonio Farao's maiden voyage for Criss Cross, the Milan-based pianist convened an equivalently virtuosic trio comprising bassist John Patitucci and drummer Jeff Ballard, presented them with eight originals and two standards, and let them loose. Each member operates at a creative peak on this lyric, kinetic, beautifully proportioned 65-minute recital.

This is without question Jeff Lorber's finest and most consistant album of the 1980's and is very difficult to locate on CD.The classic title track,featuring the dynamic vocals of singer Audrey Wheeler is the main centerpiece of this album and most of the material tends to be very similar-uptempo vocal funky R&B/fusion with a few light touches.

Another gem from the creative Beegie Adair and her trio. This time, she is accompanied by Jeff Steinberg and his orchestra. A loving tribute to Tony Bennett and his illustrious career. As usual, Beegie includes one selection on the album where she plays solo piano and she picked 'I Left My Heart In San Francisco'. A beautiful rendition. This is a great album tinged with jazz overtones without losing the melodic memories of Tony's original sound. The orchestra is perfectly balanced and adds just the right touch while still allowing the familiar Beegie Adair Trio sound to shine through. If you are new to Beegie's music, this album will make you a convert to her impeccable sound and those like myself, have added it as another gem to her large catalog of great music.