Icons and Influences

Veteran pianist George Cables has been an in-demand sideman for decades; he’s recorded with Art Pepper, Joe Henderson, Bobby Hutcherson, and many others. Cables is a strong accompanist, and his solos have the clarity of a finely honed short story. He’s also recorded many albums as a leader, and on 2014’s *Icons and Influences*, he’s in top form. As its title indicates, the album pays tribute to some of his musical comrades and inspirations. The opening cut, “Cedar Walton,” is a buoyant tune that embodies swing in sweet ways. It often returns to a springing bass line that Cables and bassist Dezron Douglas play in unison. The pianist tips his hat to the great Bill Evans by covering his waltz “Very Early”; Cables is continually inventive as he works through the changes. (And check out Douglas’ thick-toned solo.) Drummer Victor Lewis drives the trio hard on a version of Henderson’s “Isotope.” Later in the piece, Lewis engages in exciting call-and-response with his bandmates. The closer, a Benny Golson ballad called “Blue Heart,” is rendered with great feeling by a solo Cables.