For most of twenty-eight years I hosted a jazz radio program here in Portland, Oregon. It was called “High Standards”, so you can understand my delight in receiving this album for review. Pianist Billy Lester leads a trio through eight “high standards”and one original by the leader, in a highly creative fashion. Sometimes we are treated to lengthy and impressive improvisation before Lester and friends deliver us the melody. Let's be clear: it's well worth the wait. In addition to Lester's very stirring piano, bassist Marcello Testa and drummer Nicola Stranieri are also right on target throughout. As for Lester, he is somewhere out of Bud Powell. Greatly imaginative and unique, he really propels us into new musical spheres on “Somebody Loves Me”, “I'll Remember April”, “You Go To My Head”, “Just Friends”, and more. This is a different take on these great American “hits”. But it's the real deal. It's well performed and full of fascinating flights. This is good stuff!
Ultra Sound Records; 2025; appx. 45 min.
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