Chip Stephens

Chip Stephens' third CD (his first for Capri) is an adventurous session. The pianist is well supported by bassist Ken Walker and drummer Todd Reid as they delve into standards, landmark jazz compositions, and the leader's stimulating originals. The rollicking take of Horace Silver's "Cookin' at the Continental," the aggressive, polyrhythmic setting of Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy" (which includes a few playful detours into other pieces), and the intense reworking of McCoy Tyner's "Passion Dance" show that Stephens is not one to take the easy way. The influence of the late pianist Bill Evans is unmistakable in Stephens' rich voicings heard in his arrangement of Cole Porter's "Everything I Love." Stephens' several originals also leave a lasting impression of a thoughtful composer who has a lot to offer, especially in the playful, Latin-flavored "Holding on to What Counts." ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide