2001
Partners in Crime

1. Partners in Crime 6:01
2. Sweet Andy 4:04
3. Like Someone in Love 6:35
4. Don’s Kitchen 3:43
5. I-75 Bossa Nova 5:59
6. Late Spring 5:22
7. Time After Time 6:52
8. Better Late Than Never 4:23
9. Time To Say Goodbye 5:00
10. Amusing Paramours 4:27
11. Drawing Room Blues 5:01
12. Una Mas 5:08

Jim Hershman, guitar
Bill Cunliffe, hammond B3 organ
Jeff Hamilton, drums

Partners in Crime is a partnership between three leaders: guitarist Jim Hershman, keyboardist Bill Cunliffe, and drummer Jeff Hamilton. It becomes quickly apparent that the three musicians have no need to show off, but instead finesse the listener's attention in a subtle manner. Hershman's funky title track opens the CD with a swagger, while his "Don's Kitchen" is a fluid bop vehicle. Cunliffe, best known for his work as a pianist, is an equally talented organist. Highlights of his include the complex Latin-flavored "Better Late Than Never" and the lyrical setting of the slowly savored "I-75 Bossa Nova," the latter of which suggests an early Sunday morning drive on an isolated stretch of this East Coast interstate. The trio's interpretation of Billy Strayhorn's infrequently performed "Drawing Room Blues" is spacious, elegant, and understated, especially due to Hamilton's percussion, while they also hold back a bit in their arrangement of Kenny Dorham's well-known "Una Mas." This enjoyable session definitely merits a follow-up recording. -Ken Dryden