Geoffrey Dean: Conceptions

Conceptions, the second album by pianist Geoffrey Dean's able quartet, is a neatly drawn recording whose ten original compositions were written by members of the group: five by Dean, three by trumpeter Justin Copeland, and a pair by drummer Eric Binder.

The concept behind the album was to showcase a diversity of genres within a jazz setting while emphasizing the group's versatility. As such, it works quite well. Dean is a sure-handed soloist and accompanist, Copeland a creative improviser with a pleasant low-key approach that serves him well on every number, while Binder and bassist Harish Raghavan carry out their rhythmic assignment with calm efficiency.

As for the music, it is on a par with many other working groups of similar size and makeup. Everyone writes well, and there are more than enough changes in harmony, mood and tempo to earn and hold a listener's attention. Dean wrote the mellow opener, "Came and Went," which ushers in Copeland's fast-paced "Phoenix Rising" and Binder's peaceful ballad, "Amidst a Dream." Copeland's pensive "Road to Somewhere" is sandwiched between Dean's smoldering "Conflagration" and debonair "Song for Hannah," which leads to his rhythmically charming "Spiral" and modal, upbeat "Prism," Copeland's melodic "Arrival" and the studio date's finale, Binder's introspective "What May Come."

While there is nothing on the bill of fare that screams "delicious," neither is there anything that is less than appetizing or tasteful. Conceptions is simply a modest yet well-played session from start to finish, one that should assuage many a jazz fan's appetite.