Angel Feet

The David Gordon Trio's third CD for the Swiss label Zah Zah demonstrates the benefit of a regularly working group versus a pickup session. Pianist David Gordon, bassist Ole Rasmussen and drummer Paul Cavaciuti anticipate one other's moves, no matter how difficult the chart. Gordon did most of the writing for Angel Feet, highlighted by the unusual "The Alchemist and the Catflap," dedicated to Sir Isaac Newton and best described as a wild post-bop jig. "English Isobars" is an enchanting, though somewhat dark ballad. "Bebop Tango" is not the wacky Frank Zappa song from the '70s but an innovative guess at what kind of music might result if the troubled bop genius Bud Powell had met tango master Horacio Salgan; the trio makes the switch between styles seem easy and rather logical. Gordon's spacious reworking of "Good Morning Heartache" is a gem to behold, while his romp through Kenny Barron's post-bop standard "Voyage" prominently showcases Rasmussen. Another fine effort by the David Gordon Trio, which deserves wider recognition outside of Europe.