New True Illusion

by Scott Yanow Pianist Joanne Brackeen, already a powerful force by 1976, had her roots in McCoy Tyner but early on developed her own personal voice. This set of post-bop duets with bassist Clint Houston features obscurities by Tyner and Chick Corea, a pair of standards and two of Brackeen's quirky originals. The improvisations are quite advanced, yet often surprisingly melodic and rhythmic. An excellent early effort.