Piano Circle Songs

Innocent beauty is at the heart of Tristano’s captivating Piano Circle Songs—with microphones placed up close to his prepared piano, the experimental pianist and composer draws listeners into a dreamy landscape that hypnotizes and beguiles. With a childlike simplicity, Tristano teases the ear with sensuous harmonies and the rich, velvety sound of his instrument that wraps around like a warm blanket. Pianist and songwriter Chilly Gonzales joins him for four tracks, including the joyful, unexpected riffs of “Tryst” and the soul-searching, impressionistic “Third Haiku” that closes this arresting collection.