Cool (Sons of Sound) works precisely because the Jay Leonhart Trio does manage within the framework of revisiting classic works to do them with dashes of personality and flair. Pianist Ted Rosenthal’s ability to execute the basic melodies while shifting into often exciting solo sections keeps things interesting, and bassist Leonhart and guitarist Joe Cohn are polished and disciplined pros who still find ways to sneak in clever licks or quick turns within the set musical situations. The best numbers include versions of Duke Ellington’s “C Jam Blues,” Fats Waller’s “Jitterburg Waltz” and Nat King Cole’s “Bop Kick,” though Leonhart’s own “For Real” and Al Cohn’s “Two Funky People” are also good. Other than the disposable “If I Only Had A Brain” (which wasn’t that great a number in The Wizard of Oz), this is a solid mainstream/repertory date.

— George Fendel
© Nashville City Paper, January 28, 2005