The Joe Vanenkhuizen Trio - Blues Ahead (1990)

Particularly attractive for the instrumentation -- a trio of tenor sax, organ, and drums -- this recording presents a set of mostly standards performed immaculately, if traditionally. Joe Vanenkhuizen boasts a full, bold, yet self-effacing sound on tenor that is totally comfortable with the material. Carlo Dewys attacks his Hammond organ in the style of the giants, while Han Bennink is caught in a relatively rare straight-ahead session. As expected, the drummer kicks with abandon and brings the whole set to a higher level than usual. The excellent choice of tunes (including Misha Mengelberg's "Driekusman Total Loss," Todd Dameron's "Hot House," and Bird's "Cheryl") is performed with joyous respect. This is the perfect music for a late night before the fire with the lights down low: sensuous and firm, yet non-commercial to boot.

Review by Steve Loewy