From My Heart
SinceWynton  Marsalisdiscovered him, pianist Eric Reed has emerged as one of the most  lyrical improvisers of his generation, a lyricism on display in this pleasing  release. Backed by bassist Dwayne Burno and drummerCecil Brooks III, Reed  delivers delicate and dancing renditions of jazz standards and popular songs  from Tin Pan Alley and classical to rock. He puts anAhmad Jamal"Poinciana"  bounce on theMcCartney-Lennonhit  "Yesterday," and spices Chopin's "Prelude in E Minor" with bossa nova beats.  Reed's elegant chords on "I'll Never Stop Loving You" recallErroll Garner's sound,  and on the Iberian-tinged "Flamenco Sketches" (from the historic LPKind of Blue), Reed  echoesBill Evans's  Ravelian sound. Mr. Reed understands the importance of finding his own musical  voice by learning from the masters.--Eugene Holley Jr.