by Jason Ankeny
The Fabulous Claude Williamson Trio captures the pianist in collaboration with bassist Duke Morgan and drummer Chuck Flores on a solid if unremarkable collection of standards. While Flores' subtle but insistent rhythms are particularly well matched to Williamson's graceful, feather-light touch, the session takes too few chances to soar--both the material and the arrangements are regrettably pedestrian. Aficionados of the postwar Los Angeles jazz scene will nevertheless appreciate the skill and dexterity of the performances--it's just a shame the album is nowhere near as fabulous as advertised.