Peter Martin: Something Unexpected

Thirty-year-old New Orleans native Peter Martin is showcased on Something Unexpected, the second release in Max Jazz's Piano Series. To date, there have been three releases in this series. The first was Bruce Barth's superb East and West (Max Jazz 201) and following Peter Martin's contribution was Jessica Williams' outstanding This Side Up (Max Jazz 203). Like the label's vocal series, the piano series highlights a wide range of jazz styles with an emphasis on innovation and originality. This is certainly true for the piano series.

Peter Martin provides his addition to the piano series library with a live recording from St. Louis' Jazz Bistro. Fellow Now Orleanian Nicholas Payton and Marsalis alum Reginald Veal join Martin in a collection of originals and standards. Martin deftly covers the gambit from Kenny Dorham's "Lotus Blossom" to Jackie McLean's "Dr. Jackle." The show closer, Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" is a swinging little groove piece cast against the backdrop of an acoustic quintet. Martin's own "Unusual Suspects" and "Lovely One" betray a talent well beyond his three decades.

Something Unexpected is a snappily crafted collection of songs performed very much in a subdued post bop mode. It will appeal to all middle-of-the-road mainstreamers.