There are so many great young jazz pianists out there right now, that's it's easy to take them for granted. Cyrus Chestnut is one of the very best, and he shows that with "The Dark Before the Dawn," his best release for my money. Chestnut features shimmering single-note runs and thunderous chords. There's some McCoy Tyner in his playing, strong blues and a lot of church, but he's put it all together to create a sound that is his own. One of the great strengths of this CD is its variety, but you always hear Cyrus's distinctive voice. In the course of this set, for example, he gives us the Tyneresque "Steps of Trane," the classical/jazz blend "Baroque Impressions," the standard "My Funny Valentine," and the bluesy "Wright's Rolls and Butter." There's also spiritualism ("It Is Well with My Soul") that doesn't even get near being trite. Despite all the musical bases that he touches, Chestnut never seems unfocused, nor is his attack forced. He seems genuinely comfortable no matter what he chooses to play. We can all look forward to the many years of playing that Chestnut hopefully has. I think we'll find that this fine pianist has inexhaustible wells of inspiration from which to draw. What a treat for us to be able to listen.