George Mraz - My Foolish Heart

Bassist George Mraz nicely balances his roles as featured instrumentalist and trio member in this strong group performance from 1995. He is unquestionably a compelling soloist, as is made clear in his extended bowing features on "Passion Flower" and "Haunted Heart," and on the brilliant duet with drummer Billy Hart on Thelonious Monk's "Ask Me Now." Satisfying as these pieces are, though, the best part of this CD is the calmly insistent pulse generated by the trio overall. Mraz, Hart, and pianist Richie Beirach form a superb group that is a direct descendant of the inspired edition of pianist Bill Evans' trio that had Scott Lafaro on bass (1959 to 1961). Read More