The New Jersey Star Ledger
Sunday May 22nd, 2005
BY ZAN STEWART

Perry, 35, a fixture at Smalls and Fat Cat, the basement Greenwich Village jazz clubs, makes his debut as a leader, teaming with bassist Ari Roland and drummer Phil Stewart. The pianist is a 21st Century bopper, his deep touch and neatly turned lines reminiscent of bop icon Bud Powell. But this is Perry's music the songs are all his -- not a rehash. The medium-tempo "I Keep Coming Back To You" is typical: tuneful in a personal way. Perry's solo offers short, telling remarks, long unfurlings and more, all underpinned with buoyant swing. Roland's bowed solo is dynamic; Stewart shines in phrase trades. "Whirligig" is faster, with a thickly textured theme and solid bop-based ideas from Perry. Another winner: the medium walker "All Right."