Heartbeat, Ben Winkelman, CD

Composed while awaiting the birth of his first child during the early months of the pandemic, New York pianist Ben Winkelman's sixth album draws from the emotional highs and lows of the time. With his inspired, long-time trio of bassist Matt Penman and drummer Obed Calvaire, joined here by the masterful guitarist, Gilad Hekselman, Winkelman soars on the opener, the Gospel-tinged "Praise," and continues with eight more intricately crafted and lyrically rich compositions.