Enchante

Donald Brown is a phenomenal composer in his own right, but he primarily concentrates on overlooked gems during these 1998 sessions. He's joined by alto saxophonist Bill Easley (who doubles on clarinet and flute), trumpeter and flugelhornist Stephane Belmondo, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Billy Higgins. Brown's imaginative scoring of Billy Strayhorn's gorgeous ballad "Day Dream" showcases Nelson's sparse vibes and Easley's lyrical clarinet. Thad Jones' "Quiet Lady," one of many treasures that awaits discovery by the jazz world, is an easygoing waltz with crisp brushwork by Higgins. Duke Pearson, another neglected composer, is represented with a driving rendition of "Big Bertha," a piece that could easily have been a part of Brown's repertoire while he was music director for Art Blakey. Easley's haunting flute is backed solely by Brown's thoughtful piano in a brilliant arrangement of Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain," which also spotlights Belmondo's rich flugelhorn. The one standard of the date is a snappy cover of "Like Someone in Love." Donald Brown also contributed three originals, with the upbeat "Enchante!" especially standing out. Fans of this veteran pianist should snap up this French CD without hesitation. ~ Ken Dryden