Isaiah J Thompson is a new pianist of exceptional promise. He is 25 and has already acquired two degrees from Juilliard and released four impressive records, including "Composed In Color", his third (2022) presented here.

"Thomson has qualities that most young players acquire later in life if at all, like concision, control, taste, and humility. His humility is implicit in his repertoire. Most young jazz musicians today think they are composers. But Thompson assures himself great material by choosing tunes written by others - the best of others.

He unleashes his own creativity upon them. "Chelsea Bridge" contains a throb not often heard in Billy Strayhorn's most ethereal song. Thompson's interpretations of Horace Silver's "Senor Blues", Randy Weston's "Hi-Fly", and Monk's "Raise Four" all sound like historically respectful fresh starts. His improvisations reveal an overarching sense of form. His precise fingering does not keep him from swinging his ass off."

Thompson's sidemen, bassist Philip Norris and drummer TJ Reddick, are sharp. Someone had the cool idea to bring in three distinguished veterans on four tracks. Bassist Christian McBrideand drummers Kenny Washington and Joe Farnsworth show the kid a trick or two."