LeeAnn Ledgerwood believes that her life changed when, at age 11, she first heard a Bill Evans recording. She dedicates Paradox (SteepleChase SCCD 31497; 64:45), her fifth release as leader, to Evans. That gesture seems fitting: she has a full conception of her material, realized with left and right hands in full partnership. Full partners as well are her rhythm-mates, bassist Ron McClure and drummer Billy Hart. McClure is there with the one when it’s needed, and is just as apposite in suspending his stride to support the pianist. Hart delivers a master class in the variety of ways in which a drummer can propel a trio: mallet splashes, cymbal songs and simple, steady figures-they’re all part of his game. Outstanding readings of two Coltrane tunes, “Wise One” and “India,” and Bernstein’s “Some Other Time” are particularly noteworthy.
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