Album Review
Although Pete Siers is the leader on this album, the true star of the set is pianist Johnny O'Neal. Siers' drums are, for the most part, relegated to the background except for his passion for the ride cymbal, which he tends to pound rather than massage. This a Detroit group, all with excellent jazz credentials. Piano player O'Neal spent time withArt Blakey's Jazz Messengers during the early 1980s and then with the Ray Brown Trio. Bassist Paul Keller had been on albums with Russell Malone and Diana Krall. The Trio's leader, Pete Siers, also worked with Malone. Given these references, it is not unreasonable to expect a more innovative, imaginative outcome. Technically, the performances are top-notch; inspirationally, however, they fall a little short of the mark. In fact, those who prefer an abrasive element to their music will find this album slick, and perhaps even dull. Nonetheless, there is some excellent playing by the group, especially O'Neal. Listen to his driving, lyrical piano on Coleman Hawkins' "39"-25"-39." "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" is done in a boppish mode, with O'Neal's piano once again carrying the load supported by Siers' fine brush work and ever present cymbal. Keller is heard to good effect on this vintage 1910 tune. Siers and Keller duet on "Just Squeeze Me" with Keller's bass carrying the melody. Siers lets loose with a rare full drum solo on "Arjuna." With a play list of nine standards and three originals, the first album fromthe Pete Siers Trio is not groundbreaking, but is a haven for pleasant listening.
