Since his inaugural album for SteepleChase, 2005's 'Inside Out', tenor saxophonist Stephen Riley has shown his preference for the piano-less trio format. That inclination seems to halt here due to Riley's encounter with pianist Peter Zak in whom Riley declares to have found an ideal collaborator.

They are joined on 'Lover' by bassist Neal Caine and drummer Jason Marsalis to perform an album of jazz and American songbook standards. The nine songs Include Wayne Shorter's "Deluge", "Thelonious Monk's "Evidence", George Gershwin's "Nice Work If You Can Get It" and of course "Lover" by Richard Rodgers.

Personnel: Stephen Riley (tenor saxophone), Peter Zak (piano), Neal Caine (bass), Jason Marsalis (drums)