Tom Ranier Trio feat. guest Larry Koonse

Pianist/clarinetist/composer/arranger Tom Ranier is one of Southern California’s top jazz improvisers, a musician both technically resplendent and emotionally open. At the keyboard, he reveals an increasingly personal style that bears the influence of Oscar Peterson’s bravura and bluesiness, Chick Corea’s at once intricate and beautiful melodies, and Bill Evans’s chordal brilliance. As a composer and arranger, he has a broad orchestral palette and a keen sense of melody and harmony. His clarinet and alto and tenor saxophone playing is top-notch as well.

Despite performances with the likes of vibist Terry Gibbs, clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, and saxophonists Lanny Morgan, George Coleman, Lew Tabackin, and Pete Christlieb, Ranier has remained one of the jazz community’s best-kept secrets. In the Still of the Night, the multifaceted artist’s Contemporary debut and his first album as a leader in over 15 years, should take care of that. This collection is both extremely musical and decidedly listenable, and should garner Ranier both strong airplay along with wider recognition for his abundant talents.