Noah Haidu: Standards

Forty years after the renowned Standards Trio comprised of Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette released its debut album, Standards, Vol. 1, New York-based pianist Noah Haidu pays his respects with a similarly named enterprise (sans volume number) featuring bassists Buster Williams or Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash, with saxophonist Steve Wilson making it a quartet on four numbers.

The Standards Trio's body of work "brought me inspiration, solace and happiness," Haidu writes in the album's liner notes. His hope, he adds, is that this homage by his trio "may do the same for you." Haidu's approach, while generally straightforward, is nonetheless discerning and inspired, showing clearly why he is a rising star on the New York scene. As such, he is able to enlist the finest rhythm section within shouting distance, and Williams, Washington and Nash certainly measure up to that description.

Haidu's touch is elegant, his translation of melody and harmony invariably tasteful. In other words, he plays these well-known standards the way they should be played, with equal parts tastefulness and respect. So too does Wilson, whose expressive alto complements the core group on a blistering rendition of "You and the Night and the Music," Wayne Shorter's heartfelt "Ana Maria" and (on soprano) Haidu's closing waltzes, "Last Dance 1 and 2." The other selections are time-honored standards, opening with Willard Robison's gentle "Old Folks" and continuing through "Just in Time," "A Beautiful Friendship," "All the Way," "Someday My Prince Will Come" (showcasing Washington's resonant bass), "Skylark" (Haidu on his own) and "I Thought About You" (highlighting a second strong solo by Washington).

Whenever a sweepstakes rests on beauty, "Skylark" always earns the prize, although "Old Folks," "All the Way" and "I Thought About You" are not far behind, while "Just in Time" and "Someday My Prince Will Come" leave an indelible mark on the swing metric. As for Haidu's themes, they stand up well against such strong competition. The rhythm sections are superb, Haidu sharp and pleasing, Wilson an admirable teammate. High marks all around.