It seems like only yesterday – well, maybe the day before yesterday – that Vincent Herring introduced a striking young pianist from LA named Danny Grissett who’d just arrived in New York. Since then, Danny has really made his mark. In fact, three years ago, he was a regular member of both the Jeremy Pelt and Tom Harrell quintets and his availability, or lack of, caused considerable problems for both leaders. He now divides his time (hence the CD title) between New York and the jazz scene and Vienna, with his musician wife and six-year- old son, Jelani, a situation which inspires an interesting original. The music is quite superb with outstanding contributions from the excellent Archer, the always searching for a different feel Stewart and the snake-like creations of the constantly improving Smith. There are five Grissett originals plus Henry Mancini’s ‘Dreamsville’, Benny Golson’s ‘Stablemates’, ‘How Deep is the Ocean’ and a moving closing tune by Danny’s wife (‘Sweetest Disposition’). Every title has an astonishing mix of meters and moods, with nothing quite what it appears to be, especially ‘Seven Tune’, ‘Mr Wiggle Worm’ and the opening ‘Blue J’ (blue in feel, not in form), which I keep returning to. It’s one of the strongest tracks I’ve heard in ages and could sell a lot of CDs if aired enough. Grissett’s harmonic adventurousness, his rhythmic sense and original approach to composition and arrangement make him one of the very best on the scene today. This is a great record and another feather in the cap for label boss Gerry Teekens, who turned 80 last December. He’s now turning out the most interesting and progressive records in his musical area. His secret is letting musicians be themselves. In a way, he’s a variation on a contemporary Alfred Lion. Many happy returns, Gerry. Now back to ‘Blue J’!