Twelve tunes inspired by or dedicated to the city of New York come together to form Portrait Of New York, only the fourth album by ex-Berklee Professor Dave Frank in a career as a musician and educator that stretches back to the '80s. Why Frank's recorded ouvre should be so brief is something of a mystery, based on the evidence on Portrait Of New York. He may not be pushing the envelope, but this is a quite beautiful album: a fresh approach to some great standards and a bunch of impressive originals, all encapsulated in a performance of great warmth and humor.

An obvious aspect of Frank's playing—one that gives it character and distinctiveness—is the vital role of his left hand. It gives his lower register playing a rhythmic intensity that goes beyond most players and does much more than simply flesh out the sound or provide a foundation from which the right hand can build: and it does so on the ballads as well as on the up-tempo, boogie-style, tunes.

This distinctive left hand is used to great effect on two of the slower numbers: Frank's own "Lower East Side Shuffle" and "Midtown 9AM." The latter tune is absolutely delightful, the left hand pattern rolling gracefully along as Frank's tinkling, sprightly, right hand conjures up a busy but rather laid back midtown morning. The "Lower East Side Shuffle" is a more syncopated affair, slinkier and sexier, the bass patterns rich and full-sounding.

The covers are inspired. "Full Force NYC" is a Frank original, but it borrows heavily—and at times quite obviously—from Victor Schertzinger and