Sparse, atmospheric, finely textured, intellectually challenging and always crisply recorded, the "ECM sound" has been bent by many musicians over the years.

Achirana, the ECM debut of this trio, led by Greek pianist Vassilis Tsabropoulos, with longtime ECM mainstay Arild Andersen on bass and English drummer John Marshall, adheres to the label's trademark sound. However, it's how the trio works within that basic aesthetic framework that sets this album apart.

Having firmly established himself as a classical player, Tsabropoulos gets a chance to display his considerable improvisational and compositional skills within Achirana's very modern set. The playing of the trio, which is deeply introspective and intuitive, is often reminiscent of works by both Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett.

Tsabropoulos uses his perfect technique and wonderful touch throughout the title cut (RealAudio excerpt), a group improvisation that begins the album on a soft note. The lower registers of the bass and piano are put to good use on "The Spell" (RealAudio excerpt), one of five Tsabropoulos compositions here. On every tune Andersen and Marshall provide perfect support, with rich, resonating bass and well placed cymbal and snare accents.

Crossover artists often miss the mark in trying their hand in a new arena. However, this isn't the case with Tsabropoulos, who combines his superb musical craftsmanship with a natural feel for improvised music. The result is a very likeable first entry into what will hopefully be an ongoing jazz catalog.