Franck Amsallem: Another Time

Recorded in 1990, originally released in 1992, and reissued six years later, this was Amsallem’s debut record. A pianist with roots in Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Paul Bley, he deals a lot in brooding abstraction and oblique melodicism, although he can swing, too-and occasionally crash the keyboard like Cecil Taylor or Don Pullen. He’s mostly a spare, developmental player. His trio, which includes bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Bill Stewart, often engages in organic interplay.

“How Deep Is the Ocean” swings in a slugging sort of way, and “Affreusement Votre” cooks harder behind Stewart’s pace-setting drums. Conversely, the group creates an introspective mood on “A Time for Love” and “Dee,” among others. There’s no freshman immaturity or jitters here.

Originally Published April 1, 1999