Criss Cross records has been churning out underground jazz albums for almost 20 years. Their knack for identifying up-and-coming players is undeniable: Bill Charlap, Peter Bernstein, Eric Alexander, Benny Green, Kurt Rosenwinkle, and so on. The label approached Moreno on the heels of his successful, independently released debut "Between the Lines" (reviewed: here), a recording that the New York Times named one of the year's ten best (alongside Radiohead's "In Rainbows" and other blockbusters).

Criss Cross produces around 14 new albums each year. Given this output, they want the albums finished quickly -- each artist has one day to make their record. Moreno had the added pressure of debuting with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra on the day of the recording affording him a mere six hours of studio time. The results however, a mix of originals and rarely heard standards, are surprisingly mellow considering the circumstances. Even the uptempo tracks seem relaxed.

On "Third Wish" Moreno enlists his regular drummer and bassist, Kendrick Scott and Doug Weiss, as well as the remarkable pianist Kevin Hays (with whom Moreno had never played until the day of the session). The rhythm section's skill is most apparent on the Joe Henderson blues "Isotope" where they deftly mutate meter and tempo (if you are familiar with the early recordings of Wynton Marsalis with Jeff Watts you will recognize this trick). And whether he's playing piano or the Fender Rhodes, Hays absolutely shines. He's a great addition to this project.

One can learn a great deal about a musician by the programming and mood they gravitate toward. With Moreno it's a wistful, often pensive edge, but with teeth behind it. Those teeth -- technique, rhythmic inventiveness, and an incredible sense of melodism -- are magically present throughout. Yet more than anything else, what lingers (and what will bring you back for subsequent listens) is the CD's beautiful, brainy atmosphere.

Highlights: the title track and "Another Way

Highly Recommended.
 
Buy Third Wish on Amazon.
Rating: ***1/2
Label: Criss Cross