EUGENE MASLOV
The Fuse Is Lit (Mack Avenue Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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It was exposure to Oscar Peterson that turned classically trained pianist Eugene Maslov into a jazzman, and that influence is revealed in the Russian born musician's often decorative style. On The Fuse Is Lit, his third album for Mack Avenue Records, he demonstrates mastery of the classic piano trio, larger combo and solo settings, offering six original compositions and three well crafted covers.

Bassist Boris Kaslov is on all but the closing track, which features Maslov alone, and drum tasks are shared by Vinnie Colaiuta and Joe LaBarbera. Notable guest appearances are made by flautist Herbert Laws and saxophonist Pete Christlieb, and Maslov's ability to attact collaborators of that caliber are a testament to his rising esteem in the jazz world.

As impressive as his work is throughout, his performance with the quintet on the original "Guru" and his solo interpretation of the standard "One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)" are the standout tracks to my ears. Those aren't preferences I'd argue too strongly for, though, because there's not a cut here that I wouldn't happily hear again and again.

Track List:

To My Teacher/To My Friend * Dream Of Dreams * Sometime, Somewhere, Somehow... * Guru * The Witch (Baba-Yaga) * Django * The Masquerade Is Over * Extente * One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)

© 2003 - Shaun Dale