The latest CD releases reviewed

GWILYM SIMCOCK
Perception Basho ****

Simcock's recording debut as leader confirms, yet again, the young pianist's stature. Not only is he a gifted player, but his eight compositions here are impressive and he knows how to configure a group performance to maximum effect. Anchored by the rock-solid yet, paradoxically, fluid bass of

Phil Donkin and the remarkable drumming of Martin France, the trio's dialogue is distinguished by its rhythmic flexibility, linear invention and sheer harmonic nous. But even when Simcock adds Stan Sulzmann (tenor/soprano), John Parricelli (guitars) and Ben Bryant (percussion) to the mix on several tracks, what emerges is a homogenous blend of the superior talents involved and clearly the work of a guiding artistic intelligence. And if the trio tracks are superb, Simcock's solo version of My One and Only Love shows he can be spellbinding on standards all by himself. www.bashorecords.com  RAY COMISKEY

KEITH JARRETT
Setting Standards ECM ****

When Jarrett took bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack DeJohnette into the studios in January 1983, original composition and free improvisation were at

the jazz cutting edge. Standards, essentially, remained passé. Jarrett, however, wanted to take them on

as improvisational vehicles from a fresh and, philosophically, almost Zen perspective. He persuaded the others, who were not then band colleagues, to join him, though Peacock took several days to say yes. The rest is history. In three magical days they produced Standards Vol 1, Standards Vol 2 and a more freely improvised album, Changes, all widely acclaimed and all included

in this three-CD, specially priced 25th anniversary set. It's ironic that, even after those luminous few days, Jarrett poured cold water on making the trio an ongoing thing. As Fats Waller said, one never knows, do one? www.musicconnection.org.uk  RAY COMISKEY