Erik Van der Luijt

Express Yourself

Erik Van der Luijt, piano; Branko Teuwen, bass; Victor de Boo, drums.

This is an enjoyable album of original compositions performed by the Dutch pianist and his trio. The 11 tracks on the self-produced CD represent a coherent whole, while covering a nice range of moods and tempos. I'll bet the leader has classical training, as a classical feel is evident on the opening track and several others. He uses it well, and is not confined by it - these musicians definitely have a Jazz sensibility. The second track reminds me of McCoy Tyner's early 1960s trio dates, with a slightly bluesy feel. Other tracks are more jaunty, showing influences ranging from Chick Corea to Vince Guaraldi. Three ballads are interspersed to nice effect, including one dedicated to the composer's wife and daughter. The trio's interplay is engaging throughout, and I'd recommend this if you're looking for new piano trio sounds.

by Howard Feildstein


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