Like many jazz musicians native to the United States, pianist Mike Melillo seems more appreciated in Europe, where he has recorded a number of excellent dates, such as this 1988 live date for Philology. Accompanied by bassist Massimo Moriconi and drummer Giampalolo Ascolese, the set consists predominately of originals by the leader. The influence of the late Bill Evans is readily apparent during his moody opener, "Recycle," and the playful "Three for Tea," though the pianist's distinctive style is no lame carbon copy. "Utopiate Dream" is a tense cooker whose title is misleading; the song seems to better describe the fast-paced life in a big city. Melillo's dazzling roller-coaster ride through "Jerky," which is based on the chord changes to "Cherokee" and detours into a series of brief quotes from other standards (including the almost obligatory "I Got Rhythm"), is the high point of the set. The one standard of the date is a lush but imaginative treatment of Irving Berlin's "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm." ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
