Zeitgeist

Denny Zeitlin's fourth Columbia record has a pair of studio sessions featuring two separate trios, but both show his growing interest in abstract arrangements; the music is so exciting that one could believe it was recorded before a live audience if not for the pristine sound. Charlie Haden and Jerry Granelli join him on the pianist's long free piece "Mirage." After replacing them with bassist Joe Halpin and drummer Oliver Johnson, Zeitlin packs a powerful wallop with an aggressive dissonant take of "I Got Rhythm." Briefly available as a reissue in the 1970s, this fine LP deserves to be out on CD. ~ Ken Dryden