Robi Botos Trio

This debut recording from Toronto pianist/composer Robi Botos (under his name) has been a long time coming. He enjoys an international reputation as a highly accomplished accompanist to such major artists as Roberta Gambarini, James Blood Ulmer and Joey DeFrancesco, and is recognized on the Canadian scene as one of our most talented musicians. Botos has been termed the heir apparent to Oscar Peterson, and the combination of technical skill and soulful passion in his playing gives credibility to that claim. Album highlight "Emmanuel" is a tribute to Peterson, in fact, referencing his middle name, and the elegant composition does him justice. Eleven of the 14 tunes are Botos originals, fitting smoothly alongside a lyrical take on Wayne Shorter's "Footprints" and a breezy romp through Cole Porter's "What is this Thing Called Love." The strongest originals include the upbeat, rhythmic "Inside Out" and the hauntingly atmospheric "Homeland" (inspired by the plight of Botos' fellow Romani). This trio (Botos is joined by brother Frank on drums and Atilla Darvas on bass) have been playing together a long time, and their empathy is quite audible. Look for this superb album come Juno Awards time.