A sparkling pianist as well as a fine budding composer, Danny Grissett's star has been on the rise lately and he's a favorite accompanist to a growing body of leaders including trumpeters Jim Rotondi, Jeremy Pelt, and Tom Harrell. He returns for his third Criss Cross release and moves past the trio format to feature tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, trombonist Steve Davis and newcomer Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet. Grissett puts his stamp on all the material including updates on Herbie Hancock's "King Cobra", and Monk's "Ugly Beauty". His originals are also cut from a regal cloth of originality, with bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Kendrick Scott responsive to the pianist's every move.

Pianist Danny Grissett, known for his work with Nicholas Payton, Tom Harrell and Vincent Herring, continues to deliver on the promise of his 2006 Criss Cross debut as a leader. Featuring the same lineup as Promise, sensitive but effervescent bassist Vicente Archer and the equally intuitive and vibrant drummer Kendrick Scott, Encounters finds this young trio mining an interesting mix of original material and jazz standards. Running the gamut from elegant balladry to grooving soul-jazz and unshakable swing, all with a modernistic approach to harmony, rhythm and composition, the Danny Grissett Trio ensures that modern acoustic jazz remains alive and moving forward.

For his debut recording, Los Angeles-born pianist Danny Grissett, who played frequently in 2004-05 with such artists as Vincent Herring, Tom Harrell and Nicholas Payton, displays his mastery of the piano trio function. Joined by Vicente Archer (bass), his frequent partner in Payton's quartet, and drummer Kendrick Scott, best known for his work with Terence Blanchard in recent years, Grissett uncorks a polished set of standards (Autumn Nocturne, Everything Happens to Me, Moment's Notice, You Must Believe in Spring) and well-wrought originals.

Danny Grissett is definitely one of today's most exciting and respected pianists. The go-to keyboard man for the likes of Tom Harrell, Jeremy Pelt, Wayne Escoffey and others Grissett also finds time to lead his own groups and is a composer of considerable merit. A rare artist who grips and holds attention, Grissett handles the classics of the American songbook with an aplomb equal to the way he deals with the rather complex structures of his own intricate compositions. A gifted improviser with splendid technique, the pianist can also offer warmth and affection in melodic lines, the balance of fine taste, pungent swing and a jubilant approach inevitably generating audience cheer. For his first recording as a leader for Savant, Grissett and company offer a varied and interesting set-list which mixes jazz standards and some of the pianist's own compositions.