By Moore
American Record Guide
01-Jun-2001

"Shapiro turns out to be a sleeper. His 1992 Trio blends the simplicities of minimalism with folk music in a way that manages to avoid the pitfalls of either influence and creates a strong, personal statement. These three works are very enjoyable and mix well as a program."

By Daniel Felsenfeld
ClassicsToday.com
22-Apr-2002

"The Eaken piano trio gives rollicking readings of each piece, displaying its collective virtuosity and seemingly endless color palette. Schifrin's "Tango" is appropriately brash, Schuller's "With Swing" does, in fact, swing, and Shapiro's subtle and beautiful harmonies are not cheezed up but are played with finesse and focus. This group has given each of these pieces serious thought, offering intelligent performances all around. Intimately recorded for all possible nuance, this disc is a worthwhile investigation of some obscure, interesting repertoire, especially attractive at the Naxos price."

By Mark Stryker
Detroit Free Press
22-Apr-2001

"The subtext of this latest entry in Naxos' American Classics series is the eclectic thrust of contemporary American music, with a particular focus on the comfortable place jazz influences have assumed in traditional concert works. Best of the lot is Schuller's 1984 trio, in which the composer's refined formalism is liberated through the fantasy-like play of vivacious rhythms and alluring melodies. Schifrin's Homage a Ravel dips into South American rhythms, a bolero and other evocations of Ravel. Meanwhile, Shapiro stirs minimalism into a wild mix that also references Brahms and Prokofiev. The play of sources gets pretty cramped at times, but it's fun while it lasts."