Tony Tixier - Dream Pursuit (2012)

Pianist Tony Tixier originates from Martinique but his new Space Time CD, 'Dream Pursuit', demonstrates exactly why his playing has illuminated jazz scenes further afield, namely New York and Paris. The album includes nine originals from Tixier's pen plus distinctive takes on jazz evergreens "Easy Living" and "Giant Steps". Performed by a quartet including the inventive playing of alto saxophonist Logan Richardson, the music has solid jazz values at its core juxtaposed with modern rhythmic approaches. 'Dream Pursuit' is Tony Tixier's third CD as leader and his sideman duties have included working with such notables as Laurent Cugny, Walt Weiskopf, Myron Walden and Brian Melvin. As for the rest of his group, Logan Richardson has performed with Jason Moran, Billy Hart and Joe Chambers, bassist Burniss Earl Travis II has worked with performers as different as Robert Glasper and Q-Tip and drummer Justin Brown's has spent time behind the kit with Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride, Esperanza Spalding and others.