Ross Margitza: Discovery

Discovery is a well-polished and smooth-running vehicle for pianist and composer Ross Margitza's able trio, further enhanced on the opening track by the uncommon talents of its special guest, soprano saxophonist Joel Frahm, and on four by the Soha Quartet's shimmering strings.

Truth be told, the album would be impressive even if it were comprised of the trio alone—as is the case on three of the last four numbers—as Margitza is an admirable soloist who oversees a stalwart rhythm section manned by bassist James Sutter and drummer Daniel Dufour. Margitza also wrote and arranged all of the album's eight numbers, which are consistently admirable even though most of them move at a slow to moderate pace.

While it is mildly disappointing that Frahm bows out after only one number, he is typically astute and resourceful on the opening title song, while the string section never fails to please, on that even-tempered track as well as on "The Wanderer," "A Heart Fulfilled" and "Remembrance," the last dedicated to fellow pianist Steve Richko.

Margitza, a marvelous player with impeccable touch, deep-rooted rhythmic awareness, and a wellspring of creative ad libs, is at home in any framework, as he shows on every theme from ballads ("For Amelie," "A Heart Fulfilled," "Remembrance") to burners (the powerful closing tune, "Huckleberry"). Given Margitza's remarkable dexterity, more items along that line would have been quite well-received.

Sutter and Dufour are on the same page, making sure the rhythm keeps humming no matter what the mood and tempo dictate. To come full circle, Discovery is an appetizing trio-based album that becomes even more likeable when Frahm and the Soha Quartet are added to the menu.