More To The Ear Than Meets The Eye

Bill Anschell is one of those pianists who likes to toy mercilessly with a melody. He proves this right off the bat by taking apart "Night And Day" to the point where it's barely recognizable, though his rhythm section of Doug Miller and Jose Martinez prevent his extrapolations, tempo changes, and insertions getting too far off the track. The rest of the CD mixes further dissections of standards with interesting original works like "Bent" which features Marriott exploring a circular, brooding theme with a hint of gospel and Blues. There are also "As The Crow Flies" with a rolling African rhythm and eloquent soprano sax from Richard Cole, the optimistic "Morning Fog" with more beautiful Cole soprano and some quirky film noir spoofing in "Speed of Mildew" where Cole plays infectiously giddy and funky tenor sax. This CD shows off Bill Anschell's considerable talents both as a composer and pianist.