Watercolor

It's always a gamble when a young jazz artist relies on a heavy dose of original works to make an impression on a recording, because it gives the reviewer less of a standard to make comparisons. Pianist Kerry Politzer was willing to take such a chance on this trio date, and the results are enjoyable due to her excellent chops, though none of her compositions make much of a lasting impression. The one standard on the date, the Gershwin tune "A Foggy Day," shows her willingness to take an unusual approach to a well-known song; her somewhat dark setting of the song is rather refreshing. Her strength as a composer is best heard in her mid-tempo (the playful "Sparks" and the lighthearted "Whim") and up-tempo numbers (especially the perky "Silent Morning"). Her ballads are fine for background listening, but little more. Her accompanists, bassist Dan Fabricatore and drummer Scott McLemore, provide excellent support.