Delight

The piano trio of Dawn Clement, Buster Williams, and Matt Wilson have found a nice musical foundation to stand on and a nice atmosphere to live within, and that foundation and atmosphere are a Delight.

If you think you know where the performances on the opener "Outstretch" or "Alone Together" are going, keep listening (and be pleasantly surprised.) "Monk's Dream" is probably closer to what you were expecting from this trio. Clement has a firm grasp of Monk, and Wilson sounds well-versed in the humor and phrasing of Monk drummer Frankie Dunlop. Buster Williams' oft-played "Tokudo" let's the trio find a footing in equality, giving everyone equal chance to play in the musical playground of "Tokudo." Julian Priester's "Elmer's Holliday" is rarely played, but offers the trio a chance to simultaneously groove and explore.

Today, no bassist's time is more elastic than Buster Williams. Matt Wilson's playfulness and sense of exploration seeps into every note he plays. Dawn Clement's mature sense of freedom and leadership allow the musicians to do what they do best. This is a wonderful trio that should record together some more, this is joyous music.