George Gruntz - Ringing the Luminator: Piano Works II (2005)

Because George Gruntz has become famous as leader of his own international big band and for his arranging abilities, his piano playing often gets overlooked. On Ringing the Luminator, which is both the name of this CD and the name for the first three selections, which form a suite, Gruntz is in consistently brilliant form. He is lyrical and thoughtful, but also is not shy to show off his technique when it fits the improvisation. He revitalizes five jazz standards, performs two versions of trombonist Ray Anderson's quirky "Ecanoo," and contributes originals that fall into many moods. This is a set that is well worth hearing several times, making one wish that Gruntz would record solo and in combos more often. He is an underrated jazz master.