Philadelphia Beat

Legendary drummer “Tootie” Heath, pianist Ethan Iverson (of The Bad Plus), and top-notch bassist Ben Street follow up their 2013 release *Tootie’s Tempo* with the excellent *Philadelphia Beat*. The album’s far-ranging set of tunes includes brushes-driven Bach and an unusual take on the disco classic “I Will Survive.” There are a lot of versions of Milt Jackson’s “Bag’s Groove,” but this trio bring a distinctive touch to the warhorse. Yusef Lateef’s “Pentatonic Etude,” with Heath using mallets and Iverson playing a Wurlitzer keyboard, is a mysterious gem. On the closer, Cal Massey’s “Bakai,” Heath delights with his clattering drums.