David Kikoski - Combinations - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Here, on his sixth Criss Cross , pianist David Kikoski triologues with killer bass/drum team Larry Grenadier and Bill Stewart in a lyrical evocation of his introspective side on a program of six originals and two meaty jazz originals. Interplay, close listening and unending flow abide throughout the proceedings.

Since his first appearance on record (Randy Brecker's album, In the Idiom), pianist David Kikoski has demonstrated an infinite capacity to swing, a rare sensitivity as a ballad interpreter and genuine harmonic savvy as a composer. He delivers once again on all counts on Kayemode.

On his ninth Criss Cross date as a leader (and 22nd tag appearance overall), pianist David Kikoski convenes an extraordinary trio with two famed and longstanding allies, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Jeff InchTainInch Watts. It's no stretch to say that a lineup like this is guaranteed to swing - and it does, on a set of finely wrought Kikoski originals, including the two-part title track Consequences. Watts' own uptempo Mr. JJ and slow-grooving Blue Tain round out the set, and Kikoski ends with a poetic solo-piano take of Never Let Me Go.