Russian pianist Tsiganov, now resident in New York, must arguably be one of the most brilliant musicians on the planet. His previous Criss Cross releases, The Artistry of the Standard and Spring Feelings, revealed his highly personalised conception as a composer and arranger whose re-harmonisations, constant tempo changes and mixture of meters were a revelation. But Playing With The Wind is a giant step even further forward. The arrangements are, perhaps, some of the most challenging this writer has ever heard and Ted Panken’s (as always) excellent explanatory liner notes are a great help in following the many twists and turns in the complex writing. The musicianship is superb throughout. Tsiganov’s compatriot trumpeter, Sipiagin, is the perfect person to play this music and Blake continues to impress with passionate solos throughout. Brewer’s choice of notes is exemplary and Dan Weiss’ drumming is an ear-opener. So sensitive and subtle and spacey when required and seemingly never fazed by all the time changes. The material comprises four originals, with the title tune and the classically-inclined ‘Orange Dream’ perhaps the most challenging, two totally harmonically and rhythmically reworked standards (‘Cry Me A River’ and ‘The Very Thought Of You’), two completely different versions of Wayne Shorter Blue Note-era classics (‘Witch Hunt’ and ‘Virgo’) and an adapted Russian folk song. However often you play this album, you’ll hear loads of new nuances every time. I cannot recommend it more highly. And great credit to producer Gerry Teekens, just turned 83, who continues to lead the field.