And IfECM ****

In showcasing her long- standing trio with Gary Wang (bass) and Roland Schneider (drums), Israeli pianist Anat Fort's new ECM CD distances her somewhat from her Middle Eastern roots. But it also underlines her gifts as a composer and improviser of melodic strength, subtle harmonic assurance and lyricism. And if the natural flow of the music seems easy, the simplicity is deceptive, with the trio's nuanced dynamics and responsiveness making expressively eloquent use of space and restraint. It's akin to the work of Norwegian pianist Ketil Bjørnstad – for Fort, more a case of affinity, rather than influence. The singing, folklike Lanesboroand Minnesota, the motivic interplay of Some, the exoticism and free touches of Something 'Bout Camels, the hinted turbulence of the impressionistic Clouds Moving, all share a satisfying sense of finessed variety and wholeness.

See classical.ie.