Innocent beauty is at the heart of Tristano’s captivating Piano Circle Songs—with microphones placed up close to his prepared piano, the experimental pianist and composer draws listeners into a dreamy landscape that hypnotizes and beguiles. With a childlike simplicity, Tristano teases the ear with sensuous harmonies and the rich, velvety sound of his instrument that wraps around like a warm blanket. Pianist and songwriter Chilly Gonzales joins him for four tracks, including the joyful, unexpected riffs of “Tryst” and the soul-searching, impressionistic “Third Haiku” that closes this arresting collection.