When You Wish Upon a Star
The history of jazz is full of couples:Louisand Lil Armstrong,Toshiko AkiyoshiandLew Tabackin, andJackie Cain and Roy Kral. Canadian-born pianistRenee Rosnes, who recorded an impressive string of Blue Note CDs as a leader, and drummer husband Billy Drummond are the latest in that line. They met in the 1980s all-star group Out of the Blue and have worked with everyone fromWynton MarsalistoJoe HendersonandWayne Shorter. Joined on this CD by the venerable bassist Ray "Bulldog" Drummond (no relation), they perform a pleasing set of standards in the time-honored trio setting.  Rosnes's pianism is reminiscent ofHerbie Hancock's harmonic imagination, especially on the gospel-tingedSimon & Garfunkelchestnut, "Sound of Silence,"George Shearing's "Lullaby of Birdland," and the Disney standout "When You Wish Upon a Star."Ray Drummondtakes the lead on "Alone Together," and his bone-thick tones trace their musical DNA to the grandfather of modern jazz bass,Ray Brown. Billy Drummond's quiet and dependable drumming, especially on the Latin-lilted "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," shows why he's one of the most in-demand drummers of his generation.--Eugene Holley Jr.