David Hazeltine Trio - Cleopatra's Dream 
Recorded on June 24-25, 2005
Label: Venus 
Release year: 5/29/2006
Bitrate: 224-320 kbps

The capable New York City-based pianist David Hazeltine dives head first into the music of Bud Powell on these 2005 sessions with veteran bassist George Mraz and drummer Billy Drummond.  His straight-ahead interpretation of "Tempus Fugit" is full of energy yet without the quirky stop-and-go flavor of many recordings.  "Wail" is a light-hearted affair, while the trio saunters through an easygoing take of "Bouncing with Bud."  Hazeltine's dexterity is put to the test with a brisk rendition of "Dance of the Infidels," while his lyrical approach to the ballad "I'll Keep Loving You" also merits praise.  Some of Powell's less frequently performed numbers are also explored, including the playful "Danceland" that showcases Hazeltine's partners at length, along with a breezy Latin-flavored setting of "Cleopatra's Dream."  The CD wraps with "This One's for Bud," a fine salute to Powell by the pianist. ~ Ken Dryden


Personnel:
David Hezeltine; piano
George Mraz; bass 
Billy Drummond; drums

David Hazeltine Trio - Cleopatra's Dream Tracks:
01  Clepatra's Dream
02  Tempus Fugit
03  Glass Enclosure
04  Wail
05  Bouncing with Bud
06  Danceland
07  Strictly Confidential
08  Dance of Infidels
09  I'll Keep Loving You
10  This One's for Bud