Hungarian-born Laszlo Gardony is a superior pianist whose thoughtful and gradually evolving solos are a little reminiscent of Keith Jarrett (although he has his own voice). On ballads he tends to be a bit introspective (as if he were thinking aloud) but he can also swing hard. For this Sunnyside CD, Gardony is joined by bassist John Lockwood (who bows beautifully) and drummer-percussionist Jamey Haddad, two longtime musical friends. The sensitive interplay between the musicians, along with the subtlety, is quite impressive and makes one want to pay very close attention to the quieter pieces. Gardony’s trio performs three standards (“‘Round Midnight,” “There Will Never Be Another You,” and “Blue in Green”) plus five of the leader’s originals, including “The March of 1848″ (written to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution) and the well-titled brooding ballad “Mystical.” Exquisite music worth many close listens. – Scott Yanow
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