Albert "Tootie" Heath / Ethan Iverson / Ben Street

Bad Plus pianist Ethan Iverson makes a habit of communing with his elders, both via his exemplary blog, Do the Math, and on the bandstand. Here he turns up as one third of a trio featuring bassist Ben Street and nominally led by 79-year-old bop drum master Albert "Tootie" Heath, spark plug of jazz institution the Heath Brothers and collaborator of countless legends. The band's offbeat approach to repertoire and loose, conversational flow makes it one of the most engaging combos in town. This run celebrates Philadelphia Beat, a new disc brimming with sly charm and good-natured groove.