March 7, 2019
Michel Petrucciani’s decision to utilize Adam Holzman on atmospheric electric keyboards behind his piano playing was an excellent idea. Not only did it give him an “orchestral” setting in which to improvise, but it enabled Petrucciani to completely escape the Bill Evans influence that has made so many other pianists sound a bit derivative. For this set (recorded at a concert in France), Petrucciani is joined by Holzman, bassist Steve Logan, drummer Victor Jones and percussionist Abdou M’Boop on seven of his originals and “Estate.” Highlights include “Miles Davis Licks,” “Rachid,” and “Thank You Note,” but all eight selections work quite well as part of a set of colorful post-bop music.
