Album: John Taylor, Phases, (Camjazz)

A leopard doesn't change its spots and venerable pianist Taylor isn't going to abjure his normal limpid lyricism just because this is a solo session.

As a result, and despite all the beauty and subtle harmonic invention, the lack of left-hand oomph can create a rather one-dimensional effect. It's fine when the music is free-ish, but the rhythmic comping, as on the tango-like "Fedora", sounds rudimentary. Two tracks overdub a second keyboard for some interestingly abstract tail-chasing.

Pick of the album: 'Foil': dubbed duet, with Taylor really swinging