Delight

4-STARS Dawn Clement, previously unknown to me, totally surprised me with her new album as an excellently swinging pianist who, together with the magnificent bassist Buster Williams and the outstanding drummer Matt Wilson, forms a fantastic team. Six instrumentals by the trio form the core of the album, including the wonderfully swinging Thelonious Monk's "Monk's Dream," Buster Williams' "Tokudo," and Julian Priester's "Elmere's Holiday." Buster Williams and Matt Wilson shine with virtuosic solos, especially on these three tracks. Another highlight is the standard "Alone Together," which Buster Williams leaves his mark on with the opening theme. Clement's own compositions, the rhythmically powerful "Outstretch" and the convincing "Easy E," which features prepared piano and a very free arrangement, showcase the pianist as exceptionally innovative and adventurous.