Spendel - Spendel (1989)

Each year, it seems there is one keyboard album which stands out among the rest of the pack, and in 1991, that was Germany's Christoph Spendel's diverse and energetic label debut. There are toe tappin rhythms, hummable melodies and smart improvisational solos by Spendel on synth and acoustic piano, and the all-star contributors include Bill Evans (sax), Steve Khan (guitar) and Michal Urbaniak (violin). There are enough ballads to calm the generally manic pace, but the funky musical threads make this stirring American debut a must have for any keyboard lover into the adventure of the instrument.