Darren Litzie — On My Own Time

Label: Summit Records

Pianist and jazz composer Darren Litzie’s second album, On My Own Time, features predominantly original works, along with a few jazz standards. Those standards are particularly rewarding, as Litzie’s interpretive skills are supreme. A bonus is the inclusion of the 60s pop hit “Time Of The Season” (originally by The Zombies) that mines the song for every profound and whimsical moment, of which there are plenty.

Track after track delivers the full extent of what a devastating jazz trio can offer. The musicians (Darren Litzie on piano, Chris DeAngelis on bass, John Riley on drums) create enticing sounds that range from an intimate, secret whisper to what you feel must be an entire club full of jamming sidemen. They play in the best sense of the word, always at the ready to toss or catch the note of the next moment.