Ron Surace: Trio City 2: The Return Of The Trio

As Tatsu Aoki's soul-stirring bass introduces the group's exotic interpretation of "Caravan," you get the feeling that this familiar face is about to receive a facelift. Sure enough, drummer Dave Pavkovic adds a light syncopated texture that boldly ushers in Surace's unique impression of this classic piece with wire brushes. The pianist rebounds up and down with authority. His furious tirade contrasts with the drummer's light touch. Together, they create an exotic impression that swings hard.

"Cabin in the Sky" swings gently with a subtle passion. Much of the session drifts gently in like manner, with walking bass, wallpaper drums, and a forceful pianist. Surace delivers a powerful statement on "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise," as his trio interprets this standard with a unique temperament. This standard and several other trio interpretations give the session a hearty quality.

"Sister Sadie" beckons as a solo piano conversation, steeped in the blues and tempered with a virtuosic hand. Surace gives this one a shot in the arm. "Until the Real Thing Comes Along" and "My Foolish Heart," on the other hand, get a warm, comforting hand. Solo piano interprets these two pieces lovingly, and with passion. Similarly, "Here and Now" closes the session with a lone balladeer's heartfelt cries. The pianist, working alone, leaves his audience with a dream to build upon.