Yoshitaka Tsuji Trio is recognized locally as the pianist with Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers and by his nickname Z2. Tsuji, who’s a native of Osaka, Japan and has been living in New Orleans for 13 years, has always impressed with his huge talent and ability to play in any number of diverse styles while on the bandstand with Ruffins. On Happy Hour, his third release as leader, he shows his abilities as a serious and gifted pianist and composer in the modern jazz arena.

Z2 and his trio with bassist Sam Albright and drummer Willie Green III are up and runnin’ on the leader’s original title cut. Z2 is a man of many notes as displayed on this and many of the album’s selections. As suggested by the tune’s title, “Happy Hour” boasts a light-hearted flair and a time for some fun. Z2 brings excitement to the party as he does throughout the release.

Another fine original, “Men Tan Pin,” kicks too, with a memorable melody and finds Albright out front until Z2 and Green start trading bars. Mal Waldron’s “Fire Waltz” proves to be well-suited to the pianist’s style. By the end of the song, one of eight classics including favs like “Sweet Lorraine” and “Shiny Stockings,” his and the trio’s propensity for passion take over.

Following the dramatic, soulful opening of his self-penned “My Little Son Flower,” Z2 lets his New Orleans’ and particularly Professor Longhair’s influences shine, complete with piano trills and a Crescent City backbeat provided by Green. It demands you to get up and dance to this speedy, million-note Big Easy adventure.

The title Happy Hour evokes images of bright moments, a promise that is continually fulfilled by the enthusiasm of Z2 and his fine trio.