Since his debut album “Inside Out” SCCD 31584 (2005) Stephen Riley has kept momentum to become and to stay the “distinctly unique jazz voice” (Neil Tesser). In spite of his preference for piano less format, Riley found the ideal pianist for him in Peter Zak, with whom he recorded the previous album “Lover” SCCD 31765. Here on his 11th release Riley backed by the same team including Peter Zak to interpret an amazing collection of classic but rarely heard jazz titles. “Lover, Riley’s latest, employs the talents of label mate Peter Zak … (Riley’s) unconventional use of ultra-hard reed to essay a satin soft sound—a common sense contradiction—sets him apart from every other under-40 player I can think of. This date brings his track record as a leader to seven for seven and, for reasons I’m still discovering and savoring, it comes highly recommended.” (Derek Taylor – Dusted Magazine on “Lover” SCCD 31765)