Pamela Hines: Twilight World

Pianist Pamela Hines puts her quartet through a powerfully driven modern mainstream session on Twilight World, which also includes searing ballads and heartfelt blues. With tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, she interprets a program of pert originals and other fresh themes.

Marian McPartland's "Twilight World" serves as the album's centerpiece, with its flowing melody and light Latin beat. The pianist provides a strong foundation for Bergonzi's articulate tenor, applying sparkling counterpoint that flows naturally. Her solo interludes give each selection an uplifting quality that celebrates the magic that makes jazz so special. She includes spontaneity in her keyboard actions, fuses her ensemble with a seamless quality, and contributes dazzling displays of lively music. She and Bergonzi share a love of the creative forces that can be unleashed through modern jazz. Remarkably, their work stands out as both fresh and original.

In an apparent tribute to Red Holloway, Bergonzi joins tenor saxophonist Miles Donohue on "Red's Blues" with feelings that run deep. They steer the ensemble through laid-back motions that stroll easily on sensual feet. There's a loose rhythm in the blues that simply cannot be ignored.

The session's Latin numbers provide a different kind of energy that seems to pump up the band every time. They drive forcefully and interact cohesively to produce a festive affair. Hines' session has a lot to offer, and every bit of her quartet's thrilling performance derives from the heart of jazz's modern mainstream.