Mary Louise Knutson: Call Me When You Get There

Call Me When You Get There is a pleasant and well-crafted trio session in the earlier style of Bill Evans. Mary Louise Knutson’s tasteful piano guides the way, with help from bassist Gordon Johnson and one of three drummers: Marc Rio, Phil Hey or Craig Hara. (Marc Anderson is added on shakers on one track.)

Standards such as “Tangerine,” “On Green Dolphin Street,” “Gone With the Wind,” “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” and “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be” mingle with Knutson originals. “If You Please,” one of the originals, has a backbeat rhythm and a bright, open, Marian McPartland feel. Another, “How Will I Know,” is a waltz in which the rhythmic lilt and chords strongly recall Evans. The title tune is hymnlike.

Johnson offers well turned solos throughout the date, the influence of Scott LaFaro much in evidence. The drummers fall in step appropriately with the tenor of the session.

All told: nothing innovative here, but the music is state-of-the-art piano-trio finery.

Originally Published September 1, 2002