Since Wynton Marsalis discovered him, pianist Eric Reed has emerged as one of the most lyrical improvisers of his generation, a lyricism on display in this pleasing release. Backed by bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Cecil Brooks III, Reed delivers delicate and dancing renditions of jazz standards and popular songs from Tin Pan Alley and classical to rock. He puts an Ahmad Jamal "Poinciana" bounce on the McCartney-Lennon hit "Yesterday," and spices Chopin's "Prelude in E Minor" with bossa nova beats. Reed's elegant chords on "I'll Never Stop Loving You" recall Erroll Garner's sound, and on the Iberian-tinged "Flamenco Sketches" (from the historic LP Kind of Blue), Reed echoes Bill Evans's Ravelian sound. Mr. Reed understands the importance of finding his own musical voice by learning from the masters. --Eugene Holley Jr.