My Muse

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Not long after going through a serious illness of his own, George Cables lost the love of his life, Helen Wray, to pancreatic cancer. His partner of 28 years inspired him over much of his career, as he wrote several pieces in her honor. Bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Victor Lewis are two veterans who are a welcome addition to any record date. The lush "Lullaby," sometimes played by the pianist as an opening and closing theme song (it was also a favorite of his the late alto saxophonist Frank Morgan), is the perfect way to open this heartfelt album, played as a whispering solo. The second is the joyful "Helen's Song," an understated samba that buoys the spirits. The third piece honoring Helen is the funky, infectious "My Muse," which blends the perfect mix of soul and Latin flavor. Although many of the other songs were written by other composers, there is little doubt that the pianist was thinking of his late spouse when he performed them. Cables puts a different stamp on McCoy Tyner's gorgeous "You Taught My Heart to Sing" by adding a compelling improvised introduction, while he gets a bit mischievous in his interpretation of the old chestnut "My Old Flame" by adding a few Tatum-like flourishes. Lewis, long an underrated composer, penned and previously recorded his potent post-bop piece "Hey, It's Me You're Talkin' To," as the trio dives full force into its conversational-like theme. My Muse is easily one of George Cables' outstanding releases in his extensive discography.

© Ken Dryden /TiVo