Los Angeles native Alec Schulman, gifted jazz pianist and singer-songwriter, is far from alone among musicians in his deep admiration for the great Joni Mitchell. But the circumstances surrounding his remarkable debut album, Light That Slips Away, are nearly unheard of. After meeting renowned bassist/producer Larry Klein, Mitchell’s ex-husband, at a Berklee masterclass, Schulman and Klein became fast friends and Klein assumed the role of a musical mentor. Back in LA during the COVID crisis, Schulman played Klein early versions of songs that would ultimately appear on Light That Slips Away. Klein not only shared his insights but also played on the album. One thing led to another, and the lineup on several songs grew to include not only Klein but drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and pedal-steel veteran Greg Leisz — some of Joni Mitchell’s closest bandmates and collaborators from the 1990s. These masters were enthusiastic to take part, and far from upstaging the young Schulman, they helped bring his distinctive sound and story to fruition. On Part 2 the focus shifts to Schulman on solo piano, offering eight beautiful introspective improvisations to complete the picture. This is where Light That Slips Away began, as a solo piano statement, though the heart of it kept expanding. Moods range from the flowing melodies of “Detour” and “In Blackwater Woods” (a Mary Oliver poem) to the more rhythmic and coarser texture of “Wake Up.” — Ropeadope