With Out of This World (Playscape Recordings, 2011), the Ted Rosenthal Trio takes another visit to the American Songbook, reinterpreting 10 classics in a fresh and engaging manner.

Pianist Rosenthal is accompanied by bassist Noriko Ueda and drummer Quincy Davis. Rosenthal wrote all the arrangements. Even though he is the leader, there’s rarely a moment when Ueda and Davis aren’t equally invested.

The set begins in robust fashion. The title song has a deceptive time signature. Though mostly in 3/4, the trio alternates between intense and laid back, shifting even further into something placid during the middle. The main difference is the number of notes per beat, and how those notes are played. The musicians are a seamless unit, but because they don’t have to compete or make space for a larger band, each stands out on his or her part.

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