Steve Kuhn understands the sonority of the keyboard more than most, as proven by this ECM debut. Joined by electric bassist Steve Swallow, drummer Jack DeJohnette, and percussionist Sue Evans, he lays down a set of tracks that take us into uncharted territory. Kuhn’s composing is lush, heartfelt, and sometimes surprising, as when the appropriately titled “A Change Of Face” does a 180 from measured grace to incendiary interplay. Swallow is one to home in on throughout, especially in tracks like “Something Everywhere.” Given the romantic edge of his playing, Trance feels more like a mission statement than a title.

– Tyran Grillo