Sígame [Audio CD] Jackson, D.D

Canadian pianist and composer DD Jackson combines the eclecticism of Keith Jarrett with the angular right-hand runs of Don Pullen. On Sigame (which translates to "Follow Me" in Spanish), Jackson is backed by a young New York rhythm section consisting of Cuban drummer and percussionist Dafnis Prieto and bassist Ugonna Okegwo. They swing with a strong Afro-Latin feel, especially on the gospel-tinged "The Opening", the hip-hop accented "Jam Band" and the fast and furious "Cubano Funk". The mellow-toned guitarist Freddie Bryant joins the trio on the title cut, which also includes violinist Christian Howes. DD Jackson's solo piano composition "Prologue" offers the best aural evidence of his ingenious blending and shaping of classical and jazz influences. --Eugene Holley, Jr