The Natural Moment

Christopher Hollyday plays so well on this 1991 recording that it is strange that little has been heard from since 1993. Influenced by Jackie McLean but coming into his own as an altoist, Hollyday (who was only 21 at the time) performs five of his driving originals and a song apiece from Peter Bernstein, Walter Davis, Jr., John Webber, and Cole Porter. His playing is quite passionate and intense, and he constantly pushes himself. But as well as Hollyday plays, perhaps The Natural Moment is most notable for being one of the earliest recordings of pianist Brad Mehldau, who was just beginning to develop his own style. Overall, this set is an excellent example of modern hard bop, with Hollyday often blowing up a storm.