“Play Zone, the concept, is that space where music is played, that frame of mind where music creates itself, the synergy of players and, literally, where people come to listen.”

Portland, Oregon pianist George Mitchell gathers together some of the
Northwest's finest and enters the Play Zone. Like his critically acclaimed first release, Play Zone emphasizes swing and group improvisation. This CD takes it up a notch with a variety of moods, more open sounds, personal interpretations of a few standards, strong melodies in the songs, and mixes music genres such as straight ahead jazz, blues, Brazilian and European jazz.

Included is the reworked "Body and Soul," which he titles "Thank You, New York;" and a lush treatment of Henry Mancini's, "Slow, Hot, Wind," beautifully filled out with tenor sax and Hammond organ. "All the Things You Are" has been reharmonized, with the middle section rephrased in æ time. They end the record with "Croatian Sensation," a swingin' organ blues quartet.