Standards

by Ken DrydenAlan Pasqua rises to the challenge of finding new ways to explore ten familiar songs. The veteran pianist's work is complemented by bassist Dave Carpenter and drummer Peter Erskine, sounding more like a trio on a roll in a live performance than one working in a studio, possibly because it was recorded live with just two microphones. There's a touch of Bill Evans at first in Pasqua's interpretation of "The Way You Look Tonight," but he quickly moves into a more personal style, making great use of space and featuring his talented sidemen, too. The traditional Swedish folk song "Dear Old Stockholm" was popularized in jazz by Stan Getz, but Pasqua's introspective, deeply lyrical interpretation proves every bit as compelling. Erskine sets up Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" with an infectious Latin beat, with Pasqua playing sparse chords rather than the complete theme, backed by Carpenter's abstract bassline. The percolating post-bop arrangement of "I Hear a Rhapsody" and jaunty take of "I'm Old Fashioned" also leave lasting impressions. Alan Pasqua and company have set a high standard for themselves to match on their future projects together.