Album Reviews

Trichotomy is an inventive and forward-looking trio comprising pianist Sean Foran, bassist Pat Marchisella and drummer John Parker, and this first CD to be released internationally has much to commend it.It belongs in the category occupied by groups such as EST and The Bad Plus, where rock is as much an influence as jazz, and the group delivers its percussive, punchy programme of originals with gusto. Parker is a pianist with plenty to say, and the group's interplay is very close, and one of the pleasures on a programme that fizzes with enthusiasm. AV

Bill Evans: Everybody Digs Bill Evans (American Jazz Classics) 9.99

Here's a classic reissue from one of the most influential of all jazz pianists. It's Evans in the winter of 1958/59, on the brink of greatness, and already utterly absorbing in everything he plays. Bassist Sam Jones and drummer Philly Joe Jones were not the most ideal accompanists he ever had, but they stay out of his way and let Evans unfurl his magic across the course of a programme of standards. Even at this early stage in his career, Evans's melodic and harmonic invention was astonishing, and every track is a pleasure. AV

Massenet: Werther EMI 3 09113 2 (2CDs) 17.99

This ideal cast for Massanet's opera was assembled back in 1979 to place on disc the story of Werther, the elegant voice of Alfredo Kraus creating a vivid picture of the young lover, while in the fast fluttering voice of Tatiana Troyanos we find the torn emotions of Charlotte. Christine Barbaux becomes a coquettish sister, Sophie, and Jules Bastin breaths life into the part of their father. Michel Plasson persuades us that only a French conductor can really take us to the heart of the story. Sound quality is gorgeous. DD

Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.3/Paganini Rhapsody Mariinsky MAR0505 13.99

The most electrifying performance of the Third Concerto in the CD catalogue. Complete with the large and difficult first movement cadenza, the Russian pianist, Denis Matsuev, gives a blistering display of white-heat virtuosity. Often daringly fast, his fingers are faultless, the last movement a pure triumph. The Paganini Rhapsody is among the finest, and throughout, the conductor, Valery Gergiev, takes the Mariinsky Orchestra to the edge of their seats. DD