AMG Review of Classic Trio

Joel Roberts
All Music Guide

This 1997 album, featuring an impeccable rhythm section of Louis Hayes and Peter Washington, is a tour de force for pianist David Hazeltine's versatile skills as instrumentalist and composer. In addition to four very strong originals, the group tackles challenging compositions by piano masters Bud Powell and Cedar Walton, and offers fresh takes on standards like "You Make Me Feel So Young" and "These Foolish Things." Although he has yet to develop a particularly distinctive personality at the piano, Hazeltine has successfully synthesized the lessons of his modern jazz piano predecessors. This terrifically talented pianist deserves major attention.