Pianist Addison Frei made major waves in the last year, winning first prize in the prestigious American Jazz Pianist Competition and the UNISA International Jazz Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa. With his sophomore release, Transit, Frei captures his musical evolution over the last year as he established a presence on the New York jazz scene. While the album allows Frei’s pianistic colors to shine, his poignant lyrics and special guests help deliver a narrative that reaches beyond a typical piano trio release. Manhattan Transfer co-founder Janis Siegel gives a passionate performance of Frei’s Know You with a soulful solo from trumpeter Wayne Tucker. Later, Frei and Siegel collaborate in a moving duo exploration of Dolly Parton’s Jolene, a continuation of a tour in which the two adapted pop music of the 60’s and 70’s. Bassist Perrin Grace and drummer Matt Young again join Frei on the heels of their collective AMP Trio release, m(y)our world, which rose to #24 on the national jazz charts. The trio showcases their experienced interplay on jazz standards, bringing a fresh up-tempo groove to Good Morning Heartache and dancing with flair through the classic Mona Lisa. Original works Many Are the Nights and Argyle How Infinite further highlight the nuanced approach of the trio. Frei mines the classical music canon with a lyrical arrangement of Schubert’s Impromptu Op. 90 No. 3 that features the soaring melodies of violinist Rachel Koblyakov. Meanwhile, a meditative solo piano rendition of Shenandoah draws on Frei’s folk influence. Finally, vocalist Tahira Clayton reprises her performance on Frei’s debut Intentions, shining on the R&B-infused Clinging and the title track which celebrates the challenges of navigating mass transit in NYC. Bolstered by trombone soloist Andy Clausen, Frei and Clayton co-star in a music video for Transit which follows the couple through iconic views of Manhattan. The melding of story and song help distinguish Transit as a recording to remember.