I've owned this album for two weeks and I already know that it's the best piano trio record I've ever heard. The trio's first ECM recording, "Trio", had much to admire (including the perfect "Hyperballad") but was relatively modest in its scale and aspiration. A second, "January", though more ambitious, suffered perhaps from a slightly noodly dynamic - a lack of strong themes and structure for all the lyrical beauty. "Faithful", however, demonstrates that the group has now really mastered the studio. Here the themes are clearly articulated and the architecture of the tunes well constructed and proportioned. The band's profound lyricism and balladry predominate only marginally over their ability to rock. In tracks like his vibrant "Night Train to You", with its muscular EST-like riff, Wasilewski affirmatively answers the lingering question of whether he is a composer as well as a great pianist. ECM's recording captures his sparkling tone and brilliant touch with crystal clarity. As usual on all their recordings, the telepathic understanding of these long term partners is obvious. If I were only allowed to buy one CD this year it would be this one.