Fred Hersch Trio, Floating (Palmetto)
I’m not sure how this 2014 CD ended up in the holding pen for so long, but I am delighted that it finally called to me from the stacks. With his celebrated keyboard touch and control, the pianist floats even through the trio’s zestful 12/8 approach to “You & The Night & The Music.†In the title tune the twinkle of Hersch’s single high notes contrasts with the relaxed feel as drummer Eric McPherson’s brushes agreeably offset the time. Hersch, McPherson and bassist John Hébert had just finished a run at the Village Vanguard when they went into the studio for this recording. They have, if anything, an even tighter collective aspect than in their 2012 Alive At The Village Vanguard. Hersch’s seven new compositions balance nicely with originals by Dietz & Schwartz and Lerner and Lowe, and with Thelonious Monk’s “Let’s Cool One.â€