Love Is is guitarist John Hart’s sixth trio recording for SteepleChase records. For this recording producer Nils Winther wanted to mix things up for John and suggested keeping the trio format, but with a different instrumentation. This recording finds John playing with bassist Carlo DeRosa and cornetist Kirk Knufke. Carlo is a long-time collaborator, but the short rehearsal prior to the recording was the first time that Kirk and John had met, let alone played together. The result is a gratifying session of standards and originals demonstrating the artistry of seasoned professionals. For the jazz student, professor Hart offers a detailed analysis of Giant Steps toward the end of the podcast.