And If

Anat Fort's second project for ECM follows along the spiritual and meditative lines of her first recording A Long Story. Here the pianist from Israel uses shorter, thematic forms that glide gently toward their conclusions, beautifully flowered, and crafted with light colors. This is just a trio effort, which contrasts from the previous date that featured clarinetist Perry Robinson, drummer Paul Motian, and bassist Ed Schuller. Here Fort, Gary Wang (bass), and Roland Schneider (drums) weave their way through relatively concise original compositions with serenity firmly in place. That's not to say Fort is completely averse to energy or aggressive themes, digging in to the funky, quirky "Nu." Typical during the circular, minimalist waltz "Some," or the wafting then flowing "Clouds Moving," Fort's piano tends to lean toward lovely, passive phrasings that envelop the heart. Hymn-like and folk-oriented sounds are also heard, including tributes to Motian and the U.S. state of Minnesota. And If suggests Fort's roots in her native Middle East are merging toward American influences with increasing depth. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi