Ondas

The delicately voiced ostinato that opens this New Zealand jazz pianist’s memorable 1981 album borrows a bit from both Philip Glass\' tonal palette and Bill Evans\' restraint. Those two influences perfectly situate the set within ECM’s stark-but-gorgeous roster, though the rhythm section’s engagement with the pristine chill of Nock\'s piano is what makes *Ondas* so distinguished. Bassist Eddie Gómez’s approach—full of subtle bent notes and speedy, feather-light runs—provides the pianist/composer with a sophisticated foil. And drummer Jon Christensen knows just when to propel and when to provide softer accompaniment.