Ethan Iverson Trio - The Minor Passions (1999)

A moody, introspective live recording, The Minor Passions features pianist Ethan Iverson in a trio setting with bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Billy Hart. The two standards of the set, "Body and Soul" and "Where or When," are rather dark and brooding, while the classic "Milestones" is a brief glimmer of boppish exuberance. "Other Roses" and "Neon" are based on "Honeysuckle Rose" and "All the Things You Are," respectively, although Iverson thickly disguises their origins.

While Iverson is capable of bracing technical displays, he's more interested in sustaining a conceptual thesis throughout the album. The subtle interplay of Anderson and Hart is crucial in this regard, giving shape to the swinging "Blues for the Groundskeeper," the spacious "Lullaby," and the semi-frenetic title track.

Review by David R. Adler