Najponk, George Mraz, Martin Sulc - Night Lights (2009)

Let's face it: So many, perhaps too many, piano trio jazz CDs are released every month, and it's not every day when you find something special. But this CD--originally released in the Czech Republic and became a huge hit in Japan--has that special quality, the one that lets you know that it's a good record within the first 10 seconds.
Pianist Jan Knop (b. 1972), who began to spell his name backwards as Najponk, is one of the greatest stars of his generation. He was connected to George Mraz (b. 1944), the most famous Czech bassist in the world, through drummer and jazz impressario Martin Sulc (b. 1961).
The representatives of three different generations are connected by the strong unifying force of the post-bop mainstream. They may not be doing anything ground-breaking here, but they have all the ingredients of a good jazz record: in-the-pocket groove and impeccable swing, subtle and effective harmonic inflections, deep, deep blues feeling and the perfect balance between the musicians.
No wonder it became a huge hit in Japan! Highly recommended!