Steve Kuhn Trio - Plays Standards

Kuhn has had a distinguished career, having played with both Art Farmer and Stan Getz during the 60s. He was also John Coltrane’s original pianist before McCoy Tyner took over. This album, from a 2006 recording session, features Buster Williams on bass and Al Foster on drums. The Plays Standards title quickly becomes a misnomer as, while always interesting, Kuhn tackles “standards” in the broadest sense, with some proving better known than others. His inventive, interpretive abilities are at the fore as he picks each song apart, often dancing around the melody without actually touching it. Highlights are the easy-going Golden Earrings, plus the passionate rendition of Along Together. This pressing is a Japanese import, complete with an Obi-strip.