Not Brand X

Pianist Sacha Perry's debt to Bud Powell is readily apparent, as he utilizes many of the same techniques as the legendary bop master. But his choice of material hardly makes this trio date an out-and-out Powell tribute, as only the standard "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" is obviously identified as part of Powell's repertoire; Perry's brisk interpretation utilizes pedal tones in his solo while also giving bassist Ari Roland a couple of choruses for a Paul Chambers-like arco solo and a feature for drummer Phil Stewart as well. Several of Perry's choices are songs infrequently covered on jazz recordings, including an inventive take of "Love" that is remarkably restrained and a playful, loping treatment of Rodgers & Hart's "Give It Back to the Indians." Baby boomers will recognize "This Is It" as the onetime theme song for The Bugs Bunny Show, though the musicians take it far beyond its familiar theme in a showstopping fashion. Perry's deliberate setting of "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" blends its forlorn theme with dramatic chords. Highly recommended.