CD. Laserlight continues its budget-line jazz piano series with a survey of some of the key bebop players. Starting off with one of the greats from a slightly earlier time, the disc spotlights the highly influential Art Tatum on three cuts; although not considered a bopper, Tatum's sophisticated technique and lightning-fast speed inspired many a frenetically charged bop player. On to more prime terrain, the bulk of the disc is filled by three cuts apiece by Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk; while Powell is showcased both with the bebop boys from the mid-'40s ("Fool's Fancy") and on a 1959 Newport date by French saxophonist Barney Wilen ("Miguel's Party"), Monk is heard with various lineups on renditions of "'Round Midnight," "Light Blue," and "Evidence." A fine and unorthodox bop piano sampler. ~ Stephen Cook, Rovi
