For this Candid CD, an 84-year old Art Hodes performs an effective set of solo piano. Renowned for his blues playing, Hodes is actually at his best on more uptempo romps where his left hand is used to state and push the beat. He plays a wide variety of material during the program, ranging from “See See Rider” and “Struttin’ with Some Barbecue” to Duke Ellington’s “Saturday Night Function,” Horace Silver’s “The Preacher” and even “Tennessee Waltz.” This is an excellent outing from a veteran great near the end of his career. – Scott Yanow