Live at One Station Plaza

Album Review

This cooking live date, Jay Azzolina's third recording as a leader, features Gary Versace on organ and Adam Nussbaum on drums. The all-original set begins with a mellow bossa called "It's All About You" and ends with a radical change of heart — the tricky, up-tempo "It's All About Me." Other highlights include the Latin-tinged 6/8 groove of "Viracocha," the lilting "Her First Waltz," and the vigorously swinging "So Steps the Giant," based on "Giant Steps" but with an added section that provides built-in tension and release for the soloists. Azzolina's tone has an appealing, rock-influenced edge that works well in this organ trio setting; it emerges with particular force on the highly unpredictable "Peace of Jack." But mainly it's a jazz outing all the way, with Azzolina's solid, stinging, bop-savvy lines out in front. ~ David R. Adler, All Music Guide