Various Artists - Earth Tones (CD)

Peter Bernstein led four albums for the Swiss Criss Cross label during 1992-1997. His fourth effort has him heading a trio with organist Larry Goldings and drummer Bill Stewart. Some of the selections are very much in the soul/jazz tradition, since the Jimmy Smith influence can be heard now and then in Goldings' playing and Bernstein's main influence is Wes Montgomery. However, some of the originals are more advanced and the music still sounds pretty fresh. Among the highlights are Bernstein's ironically titled "Sublime Indifference," Goldings' tricky "The Acrobat," Hank Mobley's "The Breakthrough," and a relaxed version of "How Deep Is the Ocean." ~ Scott Yanow