Balance

The title of this album fits well, as pianist Ben Winkelman creates a symbiotic balance between interplay and soloing with bassist Matt Penman and drummer Obed Calvaire on this ten song collection of originals plus a cover. Of the latter, Thelonious Monk's "Bye-Ya" is a crisp and spacious rendition, while the rest of the pieces reflect good listening and lyricism. The time joyfully changes pulses and "BX12 Part One" with Winkelman giving ten fingers a full punch on the rich "April. The team shows it can bop with the best during "Wheels" and the fingers get intricate for the playful "Merri Creek." Tighter than the Houston Astros infield.