Kit Downes - Vermillion (ECM)

After a couple of records exploring his instrumental diversity, British keyboardist Kit Downes pares down to the classic piano trio format for Vermillion. Having long ago found a natural sweet spot between the melody-rich style of Bill Evans and his own classical training, Downes casually pulls the spotlight to lyricism, from both his playing and the accessible compositions that come from his and bassist Petter Eldh’s pens. The leader’s “Seceda” and Eldh’s “Sandilands” find Downes embellishing, but never obscuring, the tunes, while the rhythm section swings fluently. “Class Fails,” composed by the bassist, and “Minus Monks,” by Downes, both move through calmer, more crystalline waters, while the pianist’s “Rolling Thunder” unmoors from strict parameters and unfolds more loosely than the rest of the tracks. While Downes, Eldh and drummer James Maddren all receive opportunities to show off their skills, the trio maintains an emphasis on the tunes, keeping improvisations succinct and the performances to the point. That approach serves to give the extemporizations a stronger impact when the players do indulge. A set-ending cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Castles Made of Sand” reiterates the trio’s commitment to Downes’ vision, remaking the song into a sterling example of everything Downes and his partners can accomplish.