Denny Zeitlin, Labyrinth (Sunnyside)
Four of the 10 solo piano pieces are adventurous departures from previous versions of Zeitlin’s compositions, including his kaleidoscopic treatment of the title tune. His reconstructions of Richard Rodgers’ “People Will Say We’re in Love†and Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints†would make Rodgers frown at the harmonic liberties and have Shorter smiling. Zeitlin holds Tom Harrell’s “Sail Away†in a respectful embrace and takes John Coltrane’s “Lazy Bird†for a romp. These performances come from two intimate recitals in a small hall blessed with a superb piano, good acoustics and audiences who listen.