Catch Your Breath

One of the pleasant surprises of Catch Your Breath is the presence of bassist Douglass, who recorded with Art Tatum fifty-five years ago, still playing nobly. Poryes is an inventive pianist, taking familiar standards by established composers and setting them slightly askew to re-examine them. I would recommend her trio version of "I Should Care" as a starting place, where she shows a respectful consideration for melody and harmony after an inventive beginning. Poryes' originals are varied in their moods and effects, serene in "Waltz," forceful in "Catch." Occasionally Williamson seems to overwhelm his colleagues, but he is effective. Poryes' hymnlike version of "Here, There, and Everywhere" lifts that tired theme out of the realm of Beatles-cocktail-music: something to admire.