One of this year’s best piano trio offerings.

Featuring David Arner on his 1968 Steinway L piano,

Michael Bisio on contrabass and Jay Rosen on drums.  I hadn’t heard of pianist David Arner before four discs of his recently arrived at DMG, one on CIMP, two self-produced and this one. While the CIMP CD is based on the music of “Porgy & Bess”, this disc is mostly spontaneously improvised with one piece by Mr. Arner and one standard. “Double Nature” is a sublime, dreamy piece that starts slowly and builds to a grand conclusion. I am not sure how often this trio has played together but there is a most magical connection between each member.  “Swirl” is an aptly titled piece which flows superbly like the wind whipping slowly through the branches of a tree on a fine fall day.  Michael Bisio remains amongst the best of the crop of current bassists that I’ve been lucky enough to hear locally on numerous occasions.  Michael’s  solo on “Swirl” and overall playing throughout this disc is consistently stunning and often angelic.  I would imagine that the third piece is dedicated to him as it is called “Mr. MB”, his playing on this piece sublime and inspired.  Another integral part of this trio is the ubiquitous Jay Rosen who mallet work on this piece is quite special.  Mr. Arner’s one original work is called “Intensities” and it is indeed quietly intense.  Arner’s playing on this piece is harp-like and especially haunting as if it has drifted in from a familiar dream.  Commencing with Rogers & Hart’s “My Romance”, the trio brings this disc to close with a lovely, soothing and exquisite ballad. A most fitting conclusion to a most enchanting disc. Each of the six pieces on this wonderful disc seems complete and like a work unto itself.  I look forward to hearing the CIMP CD as this CD is one of this year’s best piano trio offerings.

– Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery, September 2009