terrasson, Jacky
Blue Note, 2003, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 9.1w
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: Jacky displays virtuosity and versatility on Smile. He is joined by newcomers Sean Smith (b) and Eric Harland (d) creating a dynamic trio. They mix jazzy arrangements of popular tunes like the title track, the soulful “Mo Better Blues” and “Isn’t She Lovely?” with jazz classics like “My Funny Valentine”. This set will appeal to a broad audience but it certainly is not commercially smooth. Jacky infuses enough improvisation into the mix to transform covers into instrumental inspirations while not losing the original character of the songs.