George Cables Trio - Dark Side, Light Side

George Cables focuses primarily on works by other jazz pianists on this trio date with bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Billy Hart. Thoughtful treatments of Thelonious Monk's "Ruby, My Dear" and Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" contrast with the elaborate workouts of two Herbie Hancock tunes, the easygoing "Dolphin Dance" and the rapid-fire "One Finger Snap."

The sole standard is a brisk rendition of "Alone Together." Don Pullen's quirky "Ah George, We Hardly Knew You" adds an exotic air. Cables' two originals especially stand out. "Dark Side, Light Side" is an intricate post-bop vehicle with an infectious tension-and-release highlighted by Cables' breezy improvising in a swinging setting, while "Sweet Rita Suite" is actually a Spanish-flavored waltz in disguise. This is another fine recording from George Cables' productive association with Steeplechase. AllMusicGuide