by Ken DrydenAndy LaVerne's series of consistently fresh CDs for Steeplechase kicked off in the late '80s and shows no signs of letting up, making one wonder if record labels in his native land are too busy searching for the latest young jazz superstar to notice his immense talent. This trio session from 1993 features the pianist with frequent collaborator Steve LaSpina on bass and drummer Anton Fig in a program that includes gems written by Clifford Brown (a driving "Daahoud" and an unusual, break-filled "Joy Spring"), a pair of Chick Corea's tunes (a romp through "Tones for Joan's Bones" and an alternately dark and buoyant interpretation of the lesser-known "Litha"), and a brilliantly reshaped arrangement of Duke Jordan's "Jordu." The quirkiness of LaVerne's "Glass Ceiling" and the drama of his "Green Piece" merit additional attention to his considerable skill as a composer. Like all of Andy LaVerne's many Steeplechase sessions, Glass Ceiling is also highly recommended.