Miki Yamanaka: Chance

Miki Yamanaka's release Chance reflects her depth as a pianist and an interpreter of material from the jazz playbook. Complementing her nuanced lyrical touch with sensitive interplay is her working rhythm section featuring bassist Tyrone Allen II and drummer Jimmy Macbride. The album's mix of jazz standards and tunes from the Great American Songbook, alongside work from some legendary jazz masters, is a well-thought-out listening experience. This is all the more interesting as the session was recorded at the historic Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, engineered by Maureen Sickler.

The opening track is pianist George Cables' original, "Dark Side, Light Side." This number is the longest track of the recital, where everyone lays down markers for what may lie ahead. Macbride's drumming is filled with swirling undercurrents, as Allen confirms he is a deeply authoritative bassist. Yamanaka establishes her bona fides as a daring, harmonically literate pianist. On the Thelonious Monk gem "Trinkle Tinkle," Yamanaka validates her affection for the maestro's ingenuity as she swoops, dives and ruminates over the keyboard, bringing the composition to life.

The Great American Songbook is featured by the Harry Warren tune "I Wish I Knew" as Allen leads the way in developing the melody. Yamanaka then attacks the number, delivering it with an abstract texture and extensive technique. Fats Waller was a pianist whose Harlem stride style formed much of the basis for modern jazz piano, which became exemplified in many of his compositions, such as "Jitterbug Waltz," for example. Acknowledging the contemporary approach to the number, Yamanaka showcases her precise touch and wealth of information at her fingertips. Alto saxophonist Charlie Parker was a leading figure in developing the musical form called bebop. His composition "Cheryl" was first recorded by Parker and His All-Stars in 1947. It gave Yamanaka a platform to demonstrate her sharp understanding of bebop with its fast tempo, advanced harmony and propulsive rhythmic underpinning from Allen and Macbride.

The closer and title track is "Chance" by pianist Kenny Kirkland. This infrequently heard composition is a perfect foil for Yamanaka's flowing technique and stubborn inquisitiveness. Throughout the recording, Yamanaka has found a balance of classic and contemporary jazz signposts for her expressive piano playing.