Conceptions, the second album by pianist Geoffrey Dean‘s able quartet, is a neatly drawn recording whose ten original compositions were written by members of the group: five by Dean, three by trumpeter Justin Copeland, and a pair by drummer Eric Binder.
The concept behind the album was to showcase a diversity of genres within a jazz setting while emphasizing the group’s versatility. As such, it works quite well. Dean is a sure-handed soloist and accompanist, Copeland a creative improviser with a pleasant low-key approach that serves him well on every number, while Binder and bassist Harish Raghavan carry out their rhythmic assignment with calm efficiency.
As for the music, it is on a par with many…