Inspiration

Pianist Linda Presgrave is a talent awaiting discovery by the jazz public. Since moving to New York City, she has recorded several compelling CDs for the Metropolitan label, while she has the knack for uncovering overlooked gems as well as being a top-notch composer herself. With bassist Harvie S. and drummer Allison Miller providing potent support, she explores Melba Liston's tense blues "Insomnia," with Miller's solo suggesting the torment of walking the floor in the middle of the night. Presgrave's interpretation of Joanne Brackeen's "Evening in Concert" displays the composer's knack for twisting themes and her playful side as well. Harvie S. introduces Bertha Hope's strutting groove "You Know Who," an infectious hard bop vehicle that needs a lyric if it doesn't already have one. The pianist penned several compositions, including the lush ballad "One for Patricia," the sassy, breezy "Cheap Cheese" (which adds Stan Chovnick's delicious soprano sax, and the dramatic "Rome" (including Chovnick and tenor saxophonist Todd Herbert). Highly recommended.