JAZZ REVIEWS : GONZALO RUBALCABA, “Diz” (<i> Blue Note</i> ) ***

For sheer virtuosity, there are few pianists today who can hold a candle to Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

In “Diz” (Blue Note), an homage to his mentor Dizzy Gillespie, the Cuban pianist pushes his technique to the hilt, teaming up with his longtime drummer Julio Barreto and veteran bassist Ron Carter for a dazzling and, for the most part, inventive rendition of be-bop standards.

Rubalcaba’s high-energy, in-your-face style is most effective in the upbeat tempos, where his speed and crystal-clear articulation literally take your breath away from track one, Todd Dameron’s “Hot House.”

What Rubalcaba’s relentless percussive playing lacks in swing, Carter makes up with sinuousness and texture. And Barreto’s accompaniment is economical, precise and impeccable.

What doesn’t really fly is the slower “Con Alma,” by Gillespie, whose harmonic changes and line don’t merit such a tedious tempo. And Benny Golson’s “I Remember Clifford,” though well thought out, lacks lyricism and poignancy.

But Rubalcaba’s acrobatic version of “Woody’N You” (starting an ending with one of only two Latin riffs in the album) and the minimalist “A Night in Tunisia” are brilliant displays of musicianship and originality.

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