Right Time

Franck Avitabile continues to grow as a pianist with his second Dreyfus release. An earlier CD was produced by the late pianist Michel Petrucciani, who obviously saw this newcomer as one filled with promise. Although Petrucciani died just prior to the taping of these sessions, he is obviously present in the spirit of Avitabile's playing. Joined by veteran first-call bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Roberto Gatto, the pianist starts off with an attractive original jazz waltz, "Miss Laurence." He follows it up with a well disguised and somewhat dark introduction to Dave Brubeck's normally joyful "In Your Own Sweet Way"; his journey through this often recorded jazz standard is also atypical. He also avoids predictability with his intriguing chart of Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" and the venerable standard "Cherokee." His "Right Time!" is a smoking bop number that features Pedersen's tremendous solo chops, while "Song for Evan" is a touching ballad that has an almost reverent quality. Louis Petrucciani, Michel's brother, takes over for Pedersen on his own soulful "Blues for the Stars" and the leader's samba-flavored "Facin' Up." Highly recommended.