Trio, Vol. 2

Personnel: Cedar Walton (piano); David Williams, Billy Higgins.
Personnel: Cedar Walton (piano); Billy Higgins (drums).
Recording information: Belogna (03/28/1985); Bologna, Italy (03/28/1985).
Photographer: Marco Rossi.
THE TRIO VOL. 2 is the second set of a refined concert performed by this trio of accomplished jazz veterans. The sound is intimate and well recorded. David Williams gets a trebly, Eddie Gomez-like tone out of his bass, Billy Higgins's drumming is dynamic and tonally shaded, and Cedar Walton's piano playing is luxurious and warm.
The set comprises six tunes--two Walton originals, Thelonious Monk's "Off Minor," and a few tunes by lesser-known composers. "Off Minor" is given a jazz-funk intro and an elaborate arrangement, and the solos that follow are bluesy and energized. Here Walton is relaxed, and at his most interesting. S.R. Kyner's "Bluesville" is a joyful tune, joyfully played, and swings the hardest of all the selections here. It is followed by "Jacob's Ladder," a Walton original, a multi-textured tune with both jazz-rock and gospel elements, where Billy Higgins' drum fills are a highlight. The musicians play with considerable delicacy and grace, and there's an overall air of lushness to the proceedings.