This Path

Gordon Lee comes from a varied musical background, having played a number of different styles as a sideman before turning his focus to being a leader himself. This Path utilizes two separate rhythm sections (either Dave Captein or Kevin Deitz on bass, plus Carlton Jackson or Ron Steen on drums), both of which work hand in hand with the pianist. The opener, "Pao Ma Shan," is a dramatic interpretation of a Chinese folk song in a post-bop setting. Ernesto Lecuona's "Andalucia" substitutes a cajon player for the bass and drums, with Lee recasting this South American favorite as a blend of post-bop and Latin jazz with a waltzing air. Lee's sassy treatment of Lee Morgan's funky "Cornbread" and moody setting of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Portrait in Black & White" (particularly the eerie introduction) also stand out. Among the pianist's originals, highlights include his campy, dissonant reworking of "Cherokee" (called "Sitting Bull's Revenge") and the choppy Monk-like blues "Niney-Nine, Niney-Nine."