By the time the first four bars of the opening number had elapsed, I knew I was going to enjoy this. A bright, perky little tune, it’s actually pure bebop, but played here with so light a touch that I barely noticed. As one track succeeded another, I had plenty more chances to appreciate the precision and clarity of Gabriel Latchin’s piano technique. I have heard him playing in various bands, but he’s at his best with his own trio – Dario Di Lecce (bass) and Josh Morrison (drums).
Four of these 11 pieces are his compositions, including that first tune, Arthur Go. The rest are mostly standards, which he clearly loves. Jazz musicians who have a genuine affection for these songs never quite abandon the original melody in their improvisations. There are some beauties here, including Poor Butterfly, a true evergreen, composed in 1916. Latchin’s tender version is one of the best I can remember, complete with the little-known introductory verse. By contrast, Baubles, Bangles and Beads (from the 1953 musical, Kismet), takes off like a rocket, and features an invigorating drum solo. A delight from start to finish.
