North Sycamore

Pacific Northwest pianist Elizabeth Naccarato shares the tasteful pop/jazz/classical inclinations of artists such as Jim Brickman and Liz Story, as well as Michael Gettel, who is her producer, arranger, mentor, and husband. That's good company to be in, and Naccarato makes an admirable accounting for her talents on the reflective, elegantly performed North Sycamore, her second recording. Named for a street in West Los Angeles where she spent an early stage of her career, North Sycamore reveals Naccarato to be an artist who can play from the heart while not abandoning her intellectual moorings. Though a few too many notes clutter a couple of pieces ('The Rosary,' 'Off Melrose'), her work is characterized by a subtle melodic flair and a inviting, soft-as-snow touch at the keys (reminiscent of Gettel's) that encourages repeated listenings. Understated accompaniment adorns a number of selections, including Nancy Rumbel on oboe ('Cradle Song,' a gem) and Richard Warner on sax. Attractive listening. --Terry Wood.

North Sycamore