Tom Collier: Alone in the Studio

Percussionist Tom Collier has the solo touch. His previous recording, Tom Collier: Plays Haydn, Mozart, Telemann and Others (Origin, 2012) had the vibraphonist and educator making his way through a Baroque and classical recitals to great effect. Presently, Collier strolls through some originals and standards and not-so-standard standards making up this most inventive and clever collection of songs.

Alone in the Studio presents Collier in the most intimate of settings, as a solo artist. He has fun with the Beach Boy's "God Only Knows" coupled with the Beatles "Here, There, and Everywhere." While this medley is the soul of this disc, the tried and true "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most" and "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" shimmer with Collier's originality and intelligence. Collier's "Double Bars" is his most complex piece, with Collier playing vibraphone, marimba, piano and drums...here Collier's joy is infections.

The performance that sums up the disc is the opener, Dave Lewis' "Little Green Thing." The piece is full of mirth and the blues. Collier's tone is full and ringing, a sonic smile that recalls Milt Jackson without imitating him. Alone in the Studio is a recording to return to often. Make some more Dr. Collier.