“"Surace and his quartet create many memorable moments on this delightful album ("New Cool" CD). An outstanding player, Surace's acoustic piano virtuosity and eloquence shine through as he creatively switches tempo and expresses his rich romanticism. Surace couldn't have chosen a better team for his broadly diverse, impressionistic rhythmic interplay...Surace's touch emotionally enriches each selection with grandeur." ” - Nancy Ann Lee

“"This CD collection ("Trio City 2; The Return of the Trio") is classic with each performance perfect in every way. Topnotch from beginning to end. For those who like entertaining trio jazz, this collection is perfect for the money, the private library, Public Library, and as a gift for a friend. Highly recommended."” - LEE PROSSER

“"CD Title: "Trio City" 2001. Ron Surace is one of the finest pianists in contemporary jazz, and his work on thie CD accompanied by his fellow musicians Tatsu Aoki on bass and Dave Pavkovic on drums makes this 14 song collection an outstanding entry fot the year 2001. This ia one flawless collection, each performance a perfect listening experience.Tatsu Aoki is at his finest on bass as is Dave Pavkovic on drums. Ron Surace's classic finger work on the keys is as always a great adventure in listening enjoyment amances create memorable sound tones and colors. Trio City if a fine, fine CD, filled to the brim with classic performances by three contemporary jazz greats. This is a five-star winner.” - Lee Prosser

“"Chicago pianist and educator Ron Surace makes a sharp change in direction from his two previous releases for the Southport label. His first CDs were devoted entirely to his own compositions, here, he goes with classic standards with just one original. With his rococo styling Surace finds his antecedents in Art Tatum and Erroll Garner. Among his contemporaries, he recalls the approach of longtime Washington D. C. mainstay Johnny Eaton as he gives each cut a thorough, thoughtful going over. One has to listen closely to catch the melody as he plays a snippet, then embellishes on what he jas just teased the listener with. "Everything I Have Is Yours" shows how the pianist can shift stylistic gears as he starts off without benefit of his two cohorts--at least, they can't be heard over Surace's runs and arpeggios--before sequeing into a more traditional piano trio approach slipping in between Tatsu Aoki's bass and Dave Pavkovic's on point rim shots. The debt to Garner is especially apparent on "I Only Have Eyes for You," especially in the right-hand strumming of the chords. Surace on occasion likes to engage in playful introductions camouflaging the rhythmic and harmonic invention that's to follow, such as on a waltzing "Suddenly." Surace makes a nod toward the blues on"Sweet Lorraine. This tune gets a more stripped-down-to-the-essentials rendition than other tunes on the play list, again with major participation by Aoki as he and the piano trade chords. If you're in need of a new jazz piano trio CD, and even if you're not, this one deserves highest consideration. Recommended. Kudos to Southport for continuing to record the best of what Chicago has to offer in the way of jazz artistry."” - Dave Nathan

“"A fine modern mainstream straight-ahead jazz pianist based in Chicago. Ron Surace explores a dozen standards and two of his originals on this trio set. Surace, who is ably backed by the very versatile bassist Tatsu Aoki and drummer Dave Pavokoic, , has his own fresh chord voicings and is not shy to play songs at unexpected tempos (including starting and ending "Deed I Do" surprisingly slow) when he feels that it suits the piece. Overall, his playing is both conventional and personal, Surace's having developed his own sound and approach out of the tradition. He makes most of these standards even the overplayed ones such as "Caravan" and "Skylark," sound fresh, taking an occasional number as a solo showcase. Fans of jazz piano trios will enjoy this date." ” - Scott Yanow