It’s Franck, not “Frank,” Amsallem, despite Sunnyside’s misspelling the name half the time on the packaging. The pianist was born in 1961 in Algeria and grew up in France; he eventually moved to the States, studying at Berklee and becoming a figure on the New York jazz scene; more recently he’s resettled in France. His style is not especially “European”: American listeners will more likely be reminded of Kenny Barron or Herbie Hancock. Although his recordings usually focus on his own compositions, Summer Times concentrates for a change on standards repertoire, with something of a focus on Gershwin – there’s a bustling modal take on “I Got Rhythm,” a 5/4 “Summertime” in the manner of Speak No Evil-era Shorter, and an upbeat “The Man I Love.” The best tracks, however, are the handful of originals, especially the eloquent “Bud Will Be Back Shortly.” To my taste, Amsallem’s playing is a little too sweet and well-behaved – “You’re My Everything” is positively chipper – but this is nonetheless an excellent mainstream piano-trio disc which will appeal to aficionados of the genre. It’s particularly good to see drummer Joe Chambers back in the studio, even if he’s not given a lot to chew on here.

Nate Dorward

Cadence, April 2005