Sonny Stitt and Paul Gonsalves: Salt and Pepper

This trio reminds you of Bill Evans and early Keith Jarrett. Pianist Tennyson, bassist Tony Scherr and drummer Terry Silverlight make introspection swing. A glowing-then-fiery Randy Brecker, on fluegelhorn, and a mellow Dewey Redman, on tenor saxophone, join the trio on one track each. Except for Coltrane’s “Naima” (a two-piano duet via overdubbing) and Bill Frisell’s “Strange Meeting,” the tunes are Tennyson originals. A moody and ingratiating album.

Originally Published October 1, 1997