Ballantyne is a bright new Canadian piano star. He gets a good sound from the instrument and plays just as much or as little as he needs to get his point across. Nowhere is this better illustrated than on Question, an exploration that discovers all of the melody's most telling points. On Alternative Vision and Polka Dots he takes a more aggressive stance as befits an amiable piano and drum duel. It is the former that shows off his chops but it is the latter that demonstrates his natural way with a tune. The duets are beautifully stage-managed. Neither player tries to showboat, the interaction is subtle but there is no loss of creative intent or rhythmic virility. Both men are listeners and they approach each task in their own individual manner. Zacotic finds them at their most reflective. If You Like has some fine treble jousting, while Viattya comes over as if a modern blues march by a single player. Ballantyne is a pianist to watch - and hear. -Barry McRae
