On My Own Time
Summit, 2026
9/10
The pianist and composer Darren Litzie returns with a sophomore album, where mostly originals take help from Chris DeAngelis and John Riley for a very diverse effort.
“On My Own Time” starts the listen with Litzie’s warm keys before Riley’s frisky drums enter the stylish climate, and “Moonlight In Vermont” follows with the flowing piano and crisp drums alongside DeAngelis’ ambient bass.
Entering the middle, “If Only I Could Forget” offers an upbeat and melodic display of timeless jazz ideas, while “Busy Work” enlists meticulous bass plucking, quick keys and scrappy drumming for the album’s best.
Inching towards the end, “In Walked Bud”, by Thelonious Monk, showcases the dynamic interaction between the trio with both adventurousness and restraint, and “Time Of The Season” exits with mature keys, chilling drums and moody bass that cultivates beauty and mystery.
A timeless effort that swings playfully, touches on straight ahead ideas and is never short on melody, Litzie and his companions make modern sounds that also embrace tradition respectfully.
Travels well with: Dave Wilson Quartet- When Even Goes East; Dave Slonaker Big Band- Shifty Paradigms