The affinity of Don Friedman’s group for the original Bill Evans trio is undeniable--Friedman cites Evans as an influence, and had worked with Scott LaFaro--yet this program of six variations on the folk theme “The Minstrel Boy” conveys a pungency and attitude of its own. Friedman’s mates, Chuck Israels (who would replace LaFaro in the Evans trio) and Joe Hunt, helped produce a stunning ensemble identity. This was the first of four Friedman albums for Riverside, and its unity of theme and spirit mark it as an outstanding work 30 years later.

with Chuck Israels, Joe Hunt