The Marc Atkinson Trio

This is an encouraging debut by the Canadian West Coast acoustic instrumental trio. The three players offer skillful versions of existing compositions, including two by Duke Ellington and highlighted by his old chestnut "The Mooche." A Chopin waltz reveals the trio's scholarly yet romantic aspects. Five originals by bandleader Marc Atkinson mark him as a composer with a promising future. It's clear the trio's members love playing together. Their second album would feature all the virtues of its predecessor plus a new assurance to evolve it past the debut.