Claudio Roditi: Light in the Dark

Again, most of the tunes were written by the gifted pianist/composer Klaus Ignatzek: there are nine of his, varied and well-named; two by Roditi, and two from the Brazilian songbook. The drum-less format is still airy and light, and the music still intrigues and satisfies. But where the first disc was "full of moonlight," this one is squarely lit by the sun, revealing somewhat sharper edges and brighter energies. Roditi adds his flugelhorn to this session—it sounds like he's playing through antique satin—and does a friendly vocal with grin-inducing scatting on "Rapaz de Bem." Rassinfosse takes longer bass solos here, which are strong and tuneful (and blessedly on-pitch). Both Ignatzek and Roditi are elegant, artful, and fluid.

While Light in the Dark stands tall on its own, it also makes an excellent companion to Three for One —almost the yin to the other's yang. The first is perfect for relaxing on the couch, while this new one helps to finally get off it. Either way, this is consistently delicious music, expertly played.

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