Bill Charlap Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard

For the most part, Charlap keeps this session quiet and gentle. His interpretations come naturally for an intimate room where the audience is relaxed and subdued. Both "Autumn in New York and "It's Only a Paper Moon issue slow and delicate. The pianist's touch remains light and crisp as he tickles the keys with a soft caress. It's one of those situations where the audience can hang quietly on every note.

Faster numbers, such as "My Shining Hour and "The Lady is a Tramp show off Charlap's fluid technique. When the song calls for it, he can apply blazing-fast cascades and handfuls of keys in succession. That both bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenneth Washington keep up with him comes as no surprise, considering their superb talent. With Charlap, they provide a cohesive outing that shines brightly all night long.

The bassist solos several times while the drummer stretches out only once, keeping the focus aimed at Charlap's lyrical piano interpretations. They mesh well when coloring together. The pianist enjoys a slow simmer where his musical partners can apply layers of silk and satin. Their session runs smooth, languishes happily through the evening's intimate spirit, and maintains a delicate pace designed for lovers.