Credits:

Michel Petrucciani

Description:

Pianist Petrucciani was somewhat of a chameleon, inclined to go from mainstream jazz to more contemporary beats, which makes the rhythm team of electric bass guitarist Anthony Jackson and drummer Steve Gadd a good combination. They push and pull the pianist, flexing their fusion-oriented muscles while providing a swinging backdrop that Petrucciani can relate to, allowing him to exhibit his unbridled lyricism. This is a live club date done at the Blue Note in Tokyo, and the crowd response is indicative of the kineticism flowing on the bandstand from these three outstanding musicians. The trio swings hard on “Training,” one of seven Petrucciani originals. It’s a basic melody rivaling the best of Tommy Flanagan’s work. Gadd’s swing/funk informs “September Second,” which sets the pianist on a melodic tear of modally repeated choruses as a basis for his startling improvisations. The lilting ba