Much to the chagrin of my jazz purist friends, I've been a fan of Harry Connick, Jr. ever since I saw him perform on Saturday Night Live. And I think that, in all fairness, this album stands up very well. As someone noted on here already, the bass playing is amazing- I wish that Harry still recorded with Benjamin Jonah Wolfe. Cynics might say that Harry is yet another young jazz pianist to borrow some style points from Monk, but really, how can you be a pianist and not be influenced by Monk? And while Harry isn't the greatest living pianist or anything, he certainly shows off good chops all through the album, mixing his New Orleans-y swing into some bop/post-bop pieces.

I also enjoy that Harry refuted, intentionally or not, the "New Sinatra" tag that many of his critics use to denounce him. Unless there's an instrumental Sinatra album that I've never heard.

What's best about this album is that it has the freshness and urgency that defined Harry's early albums. For sentimentalists out there (like me), it might remind you of the jazz revival of the late 80's, and the optimism of the time.

I just can't understand why this album isn't more popular, or why Harry hasn't put out another trio album like this. He's got a unique piano style, although borrowed from Monk and a few others, that is young and exciting on this album. It is borderline awkward and clumsy that also seems like sheer genius. The drumming is unbelievable. You get the feeling they had a lot of fun in the studio making this album as all three members bring "kick" to each song in a laid-back style. This sits on the CD shelf right next to Dave Brubeck's Time Out.

This is as solid an album as I've come across in the past ten years. I've had this CD since it was released and I come back to it again and again, finding new tricks, new attitude in a good solid recording. On tracks like One Last Pitch, Lofty's Roach Souffle and Hudson Bommer, Harry and the boys never let you up off the couch. They always have something new to show you. Basswork by Benjamin Wolfe stands out as the soul behind effortless riffing piano. I 've been waiting for Harry and the Trio to release something new. When they do, I'll be standing in line...

Lofty's Roach Souffle is a clear reflection of Harry's New Orleans roots, and is a great mix of bouncy and upbeat and quiet and mellow songs, all presented in a clear and enjoyable format. I recommend it to everybody and anybody who listens to jazz.

I loved this cd the first time I heard it. It is perfect for a relaxing evening or as background music at a social party.