Amanecer

Joey Calderazzo's Amanecer is mostly a solo piano recording. Calderazzo strides effectively on "Midnight Voyage," puts plenty of emotion into Michael Brecker's "Sea Glass," and comes up with intriguing ideas throughout his "Toonay." Claudia Acuña and guitarist Romero Lubambo guest on three selections apiece, both having a duet apiece with Calderazzo and making the group a trio on "Amanecer" and "Lara." Calderazzo, who is in consistently creative form throughout this superior effort, interacts well with Acuña on her mostly wordless vocals, romps on "I've Never Been in Love Before" and plays a thoughtful rendition of Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby." Every selection on this well-conceived project has its purpose and is memorable in its own way. Highly recommended.