David Hazeltine - Perambulation - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Pianist has the ability to improvise lines that have the natural quality of an ear player, voiced & executed w. The sophistication & clarity of a conservatory-trained virtuoso, w. his quintet feat. Steve Wilson, Jim Rotondi, Peter Washington, Joe Farnsworth.

Hazeltine showcases the virtuostic pianistics & nuanced arrangements that have become his trademark on this, his 4th Criss Cross ; quartet features Eric Alexander, Dwayne Burno & Joe Farnsworth.

When it comes to New York's top-shelf gigs, few pianists get the job done like David Hazeltine. Much sought for his sensitivity as an accompanist, Hazeltine is also an inventive composer and arranger who is able to bring a fresh approach to the mainstream. For his eighth set as a leader for Criss Cross, the pianist brings his talents to the fore with three originals, including a dedicatory for Cedar. Rounding out the set are a few select standards including a new twist on Dizzy Gillespie's Tin Tin Deo. Longtime collaborators Eric Alexander (tenor sax), John Webber (bass), and Joe Farnsworth (drums) mix it up with expert vibist Steve Nelson for a colorful set that puts all of Hazeltine's wares on full display.