Dave Bass likes to quote legendary cellist Pablo Casals who, when was ask why he continued to practice at age 90, said, Because I think I’m making progress.

Bass is a long way from 90, but the veteran pianist and composer maintains a rigorous practice routine despite his many accomplishments. His newest album, Trio Buevo, Vol. 2 reveals a artist at the top of his form.

Trio Nuevo, Vol. 2 is Bass’s eighth project as a leader and follows his 2023 release Trio Nuevo. Like the first album, Vol. 2 encompasses styles ranging from pop to Bach to bebop and comprises a mix of originals and standards. The band on the two Trio Nuevo albums is the same, with Tyler Miles and Steve Hefland on drums.

1. Legrand/Lester Left Town
2. Heart Above My Head
3. Frevo
4. Melquíades
5. Latin Journey
6. Questions
7. Trinkle Twinkle
8. Fools Rush In
9. Dance Of The Infidels
10. Journey With Bach
11. Lennie’s Pennies

This vibrantly soulful new recording opens on the fervently supple Legrand/Lester Left Town and then we get the luxuriant Heart Above My Head, the sprightly Frevo and both the resplendent Melquíades and the aptly-entitled Latin Journey are then brought forth.

Along next is the languishing beauty found within Questions and they are in turn backed seamlessly by the flirtatiously-arced Trinkle Twinkle, a dutiful confidence of Fools Rush In and the bountiful Dance Of The Infidels, the set rounding out on the veritably anthemic Journey With Bach, closing on the melodiously propelled Lennie’s Pennies.

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