Renee Rosnes: Art & Soul

The pianist’s appreciation for lyrical ballads is represented through Gordon Jenkins’ "Goodbye," Egberto Gismonti’s dreamy "Sanfona," Duke Ellington’s "Fleurette Africaine" and the lovely "Lazy Afternoon." For the latter, Dianne Reeves sings in her unique manner, sometimes offering lyrics and sometimes adding wordless vocals that bare her soul. From lush ballads to a hurried and exciting scene, Reeves uses a vocalese tactic to sing Wayne Shorter’s classic "Footprints." While the lyric’s message is washed away by the arrangement’s rhythmic motion, more instrumental features reveal that Reeves and Rosnes share a simpatico view of the piece. The leader’s dedication to pianist Steve Kuhn plays harmonic tricks on an exciting "Romp," during which each member of the trio takes an extended solo. Derived from the Charlie Parker school of modern jazz and bridging some fifty years of development, Rosnes’ recommended album lives up to its title.