Triangular Vol.2

Ralph Peterson's second Sirocco Jazz release is also his second trio recording. On Triangular 2, Peterson is joined by pianist David Kikoski and bassist Gerald Cannon to play six originals -- three by Peterson -- and two standards. Peterson, who is known for his high energy drumming, is more restrained than usual, as expected due to the lack of horns, but Kikoski, who has performed with drum greats Roy Haynes and Billy Hart, and Cannon, a member of Roy Hargrove's group at the time of this recording, are veteran musicians who complement Peterson's energy with their own, forming a very cohesive unit in the process. The trio's arrangement of Cole Porter's "Night & Day" finds Peterson relaxed and swinging on brushes throughout, and features an excellent Kikoski solo. Frank Loesser's "If I Were a Bell," the session's up-tempo burner, is basically a fast and fiery Kikoski solo over Cannon and Peterson's driving rhythm until Kikoski hints at the melody at the end. Other favorites include the finger-poppin' "Blues for Jones," which appeared on two OTB recordings as "Nathan Jones," the melancholy tribute to Art Blakey, "I Remember Bu," and the samba-ish "Red's Brazilian Fantasy." This is a fine recording from a trio of musicians who deserve wider recognition. ~ Greg Turner