by Scott Yanow
Most pianists are dependent on a bassist to keep the rhythm unless they are playing unaccompanied solos, but not Dave McKenna. McKenna, who has the ability to consistently set a fire under tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton, teams up with Hamilton and drummer Jake Hanna for this superlative trio set. The eight standards (which include &If Dreams Come True,& &Drum Boogie,& &I Love You, Samantha,& and &Get Happy&) consistently swing hard, and there is plenty of excitement. Highly recommended, particularly to lovers of mainstream jazz.