Benny Green, an acclaimed jazz pianist and a keeper of the bebop flame, has released his 20th album as a leader. Green, who visits the Twin Cities from time to time, changes things up a bit with Then and Now (Sunnyside), employing a captivating vocalist, Veronica Swift, and a wonderful flautist, Anne Drummond. The new album features five Green originals, some standards and tunes by legends who have influenced Green’s career, including Horace Silver, Cedar Walton and Hank Mobley. Then and Now also boasts a stellar rhythm section, with David Wong on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums. Swinging piano, lyrical ballads, vocalese and flute, all in the hands of sublime artists — what more do you need? — Mordecai Specktor
