Evolution / Revolution

For the past five years, pianist Martin Bejerano has been a regular member of the high profile ensembles of Roy Haynes and Russell Malone. These days a new pianist with monster chops is not news. What is special about Bejerano is not how fast he plays, but how he thinks. In the company of bassist Edward Perez and drummer Ludwig Afonso, this tight intuitive trio sails through Bud Powell's Bouncing With Bud, Miles Davis' Solar, elegant readings of Lover Man and You Don't Know What Love Is, and four energized originals. Bejerano's piano virtuosity is highlighted on a solo take of Monk's Deam. When asked about Bejerano, Roy Haynes commented that It is a treat to have Martin in my band. I loved him from the beginning.