Eric Reed - Stand! (2009)

Eric Reed is one of a number of African-American jazz pianists who has strong roots in church music; this trio outing with bassist Willie Jones III and bassist Rodney Whitaker consists of 11 originals that are inspired in part by his gospel roots while incorporating his broad jazz background. "Stand" is a rollicking opener that will invite comparisons to McCoy Tyner's thunderous style of playing, though Reed is very much his own man at the keyboard. The gorgeous, reflective "Prayer" reflects the pianist's innate lyricism, starting alone and picking things up just a bit as the rhythm section is added. His meditative "New Morning" and the whispering "A Love Divine" also merit strong praise. This is another potent session by Eric Reed, one of the top pianists of his generation.