From Sun to Sun

Perhaps best known as a modern purveyor of the Hammond B3 organ, Sam Yahel is no slouch as a pianist. His latest release for Seattle's Origin Records, From Sun to Sun is a stunning example of a forward-thinking piano trio, emphasizing fresh, compositional nuances with deep-in-the-pocket grooves.

Bassist Matt Penman and drummer Jochen Rueckert create an infectious ruckus with tight interaction that at times comes across as nothing short of mind reading. Yahel takes full advantage of the superlative foundation, experimenting with fiery single-note runs on his hard swinging compositions "One False Move" and "Toy Balloon, as well as an up-tempo take on Cole Porter's "So in Love."

The disc features three short, interlude-type pieces, two of which feature Yahel doubling organ along with the piano. The third, "Prelude," is an endearing solo piano turn with classical characteristics. Organ also sneaks itself into the soulful trio driven title track, where Yahel takes the time to solo convincingly on both instruments.