“AFTER.” Makoto Ozone. Columbia C40240. Any lingering...

“AFTER.” Makoto Ozone. Columbia C40240. Any lingering traits of Oscar Peterson influence seem to have disappeared by now; in fact, Ozone now says he is interested in Chick Corea. An advantage of his new album is the presence, on three cuts, of a saxophonist, Bill Pierce, along with the incredible bassist Eddie Gomez, whose solos on “Cato’s Revenge” and “Waltz for Ronko” are breathtaking. A drummer, Tommy Campbell, completes the group tracks; there are also two typically pensive piano solos. This could have been a five star album but for the overextended solo by Campbell. 4 stars.