Diaz is an excellent Venezuelan modern pianist who divides his time between his birth country and New York, leading different bands in both. This is his third album for SteepleChase and, following several so-so recent releases, it's the label's best for some time. For the date, he contacted Sipiagin, who suggested Blake, who put him in touch with Colley. A call to ‘Tain’ Watts finalised the band. Sipiagin and Blake work together so often these days, they can virtually anticipate each other's every move. Both are on top form throughout, with Blake's solo on the title tune (named after the New York-born Haitian-parented painter Jean-Michel Basquiat) of particular interest in its construction and development. Scott Colley's playing on all tracks refutes criticism from certain quarters that he doesn't know how to swing and ‘Tain’ is ‘Tain’, taking several lengthy solos, sometimes in conjunction with Colley. All but Berlin's ‘They Say It's Wonderful’ and Victor Young's seldom heard ‘Alone At Last’ are Diaz originals, mostly infectious up-tempo melodic post-bop themes, with sincere dedications to Shorter, Henderson and Trane. His own relaxed swing style puts everyone at ease and almost everything sounds like a first take. Some of my colleagues would probably give this three stars. I'm adding a fourth. Because in these days of so much naval gazing self-indulgence, it's such a pleasure to hear a whole CD so full of joyful jazz. Enjoy in the sunshine!