Lovely Melissa Aldana saxophone part here on the title track of Balance Point, captured warts and all, it's about the over-riding expression never mind the wrinkles of distraction or minute detail on pianist Art Hirahara's latest album, Aldana inhabiting the suburbs of Joshua Redmansville for a change. A good place to live. Remember Aldana last year on the marvellous Visions? Without further also 'marvellous' Ron Manager-type digression this record on Posi-Tone has Joe Martin on bass and Rudy Royston on drums. Incidentally Royston you gotta hear newly up on YouTube with Rudresh and Moutin on 'Red Cross' as promo from the upcoming Hero Trio. Hirahara should be better known, this finds him completely in the zone, a sunny, life affirming presence that moves from background to foreground conjuring a benign atmosphere all wrapped around him on this absorbing track. SG