Almost Twilight

Although David Kikoski has done great work as a member of Roy Haynes's band, he is at his absolute best in a trio setting such as this. His previous effort, The Maze, never managed to take flight; it was as though Kikoski's hands were tied by the quartet format. But here he returns in top form on his third Criss Cross release, an all-original trio outing. The formidable pianist is supported by John Patitucci on bass and Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums, the very rhythm section that appears on Joey Calderazzo's equally excellent trio album of the same year.

"Rose, Part 1 & 2" ranks as one of Kikoski's most swinging, inspired compositions to date. Other highlights include the frenetic, polyrhythmic "Water," the funky and complex "Betrayal," and the ambitious rubato-to-swing "Opportunity." Patitucci's solos on the slow "Blues in the Face" and the up-tempo "Immediacy" are also show-stoppers, as is Watt's solo on the latter.

At times, Kikoski's playing and writing can seem coldly technical, but he is nonetheless one of the most compelling pianists on the scene. Along with 1995's self-titled disc and 1998's Inner Trust, Almost Twilight is an essential entry in his steadily growing catalog. ~ David R. Adler, Rovi