Recorded in August 2000, Inspiration is a CD that fully lives up to its title, confirming Lynne Arriale as a high-class pianist. Accompanied by Jay Anderson on bass and drummer Steve Davis, she endows a wide-ranging programme with tasteful freshness and supple élan; all the arrangements are hers, and they are as impressive as her playing. Notable instances include the opening "America" from Bernstein's West Side Story; a very clever treatment of Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing"; lovely readings of Bacharach's "A House is Not a Home" and Keith Jarrett's "So Tender". Equally stirring are the two longish (7-plus minutes) pieces that close the set--"The Nearness of You" and Abdullah Ibrahim's "Mountain of the Night". The trio meshes expertly and Anderson and Davis get plenty of space to display their considerable skills. This invigorating CD is highly recommended. --Richard Palmer