Platform

I’d guess it would be equal parts flattering and terrifying to find yourself recording your debut album with two of jazz’s standard-bearers, but this is the situation Gordon Grdina (guitar and oud) finds himself in. Joined by Gary Peacock (bass) and Paul Motian (drums), the trio bands together to spin out a series of tracks that hold the smooth-rocking aura implied by the disc’s title close to heart. Grdina’s compositions are, by and large, contentedly paced affairs without any pushing or shoving among the players. A beacon of grace and fluidity, “Platform” serves as a representative case in point.

—MS