It's dangerous to infer a player's musical influences from hearing a single recording, but Christopher Boscole's 1993 release, Natural Instincts, almost announces the name of Bill Evans. Pianist Boscole eschews bop In favor of a seemingly straighter yet infinitely more subtle approach. Like available light photography, there isn't as much detail without the flash, but the pleasure is in the mood and the shadows. A perfect example is the Harold Arlen classic, "Over the Rainbow", played slowly and thoughtfully, ending with a surprising chord selection just before a closing arpeggio. Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance" continues in this style, with lean-but-interesting lines. If you listen carefully, you'll hear Boscole singing along, a la Erroll Garner, and Clipper Anderson's bass solo is beautiful. Boscole's writing and arranging are also showcased with seven originals, among them "Tone Poem", a pretty waltz, for which drummer Larry Jones provides some extra kick behind the soloists. Added to the trio are Gary Shutes (trombone), Jay Thomas (flugelhorn) and Denney Goodhew (alto sax). Several tracks feature this powerhouse horn section, but don't expect Art Blakey or Horace Silver. Do expect a pleasant listening experience.
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