Yelena Eckemoff – In The Shadow Of A Cloud – (L & H Records) 
[2 CD Set] 
Pianist/composer Eckemoff has lived in the U.S. since 1991, but the Moscow born and bred artist has kept close to her classical roots and Russian melodic heritage. These are compositions, not improvisations, yet they allow for freedom of expression within their structures. She works here with hard core jazz players, especially the renowned woodwind artist Chris Potter, and guitarist Adam Rogers, who share in taking hold of the tiller with Eckemoff while navigating these melodic shoals. The titles refer to specific places, moods, or natural events, a recurrent trope in her earlier releases as well. Close listening offers a world of rewards.