by Ron WynnBandleader and pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi is a far better player than she claims, and she demonstrates her abilities on these 10 tracks recorded in 1990. Akiyoshi displays an accomplished rhythmic style, nice harmonic sense and good command of the keyboard. While her touch and volume are not as emphatic as some other pianists, Akiyoshi's melodic sense and her floating lines are strong enough to express what is necessary within each song. For those unaccustomed to hearing Akiyoshi outside the big band arena, this will be a pleasant departure.