Long a greatly in-demand sideman, pianist Larry Willis excels during this opportunity to lead his own trio. With superb support from bassist Buster Williams and the tasteful drummer Al Foster, Willis explores a variety of standards, obscurities, and a pair of his originals. The interpretations are lyrical, quietly emotional, harmonically sophisticated, and full of subtle surprises. This is the type of jazz recording that grows in interest with each listen, for there is a great deal happening just beneath the surface. Recommended. – Scott Yanow