For some, the most important part about this recording will be the two tracks (
"Ray's Ideas" and
"Everything Happens to Me") on which
Chet Baker blows trumpet and sings. While
Baker is not in top form, he is a fine complement to the group sound.
Lightsey's trio (with bassist
David Eubanks and drummer
Eddie Gladden) picks an interesting collection of pieces for the remainder of the program, with his well-known
Wayne Shorter emphasis. A largely uneventful, if nonetheless relaxingly swinging set,
Lightsey deftly walks through the chords with consummate skill. An underrated performer, the pianist is a skillful interpreter of American song, a performer who understands the meanings of tunes and infuses them with his own interpretations. Not terribly innovative,
Lightsey is one of those few serious mainstream jazz piano soloists who pushes the edges ever so slightly but feels comfortable smack dab in the middle of traditional interplay. ~ Steven Loewy