You Never Know

The material on this date falls comfortably within the realm of what the ECM label is famous for; meticulously recorded, lyrical chamber music (and the requisite lush reverb is ever present). In addition to leader Erskine, the playing and writing of English pianist, John Taylor, is featured. Taylor is an excellent technician with considerable harmonic agility; his approach is heavily influenced by Bill Evans via Keith Jarrett. Bassist Palle Danielsson completes a very sympathetic, highly interactive rhythm section. "Evans Above" and "Pure & Simple" are by Taylor, whose writing tends to conjour an English pastoral aesthetic and often has elements of so-called new age piano music, a left hand ostinato for example. To Taylor's credit, however, his compositions never get as predictable as most music in that genre. The same is true of writer Vince Mendoza, whose tunes are also featured on this recording. Taylor and the group are most fluid on the Cole Porter standard, "Everything I Love." Peter Erskine is one of the most versatile and accomplished drummers in modern music. Erskine's only contribution to the session as a writer, "On the Lake," is lovely in its sheer simplicity.