ALBUM REVIEWS

FRED HERSCH

“Point in Time”

Enja

* * 1/2

Though thought of as mainly a sensitive trio player, pianist Fred Hersch has performed in all sorts of formats, ranging from solo concert recordings (Concord’s “Live at Maybeck Recital Hall” series) to jazz impressions of classical pieces with full ensemble (“Red Square Blues”). “Point in Time” finds him augmenting his regular trio--bassist Drew Gress and drummer Tom Rainey--with tenor and trumpet on the majority of the 10 selections. The results are just what one expects from the classically trained improviser: polished, tasteful and full of self-identity.

While saxophonist Rich Perry and trumpeter Dave Douglas make competent contributions, they’re often overshadowed by Hersch’s own play. At times Perry recalls Sonny Rollins in the roiling, searching quality of his attack. Douglas adds bright, crafted statements, particularly on Thelonious Monk’s “Evidence.”

But less is more on this album. The trio tunes, “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” “As Long as There’s Music” and Hersch’s own “Cat’s Paws” have a less cluttered feel, allowing the keyboardist’s virtuosity and expressive manner to shine. Best is Jimmie Rowles’ “The Peacocks,” to which Hersch imparts an attractive, haunting style, especially during his long solo introduction. Having the horns aboard on “Point in Time” makes for a nice change from the trio format. But Hersch is the kind of player whose work doesn’t need adornment, and this disc suffers from their addition.

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