Art Hirahara is an impressive pianist for many reasons, especially for his love for melody and harmony as well as his ability to play many different styles of music. Not just "play" but his innate ability to fit his creativity into the work of so many artists. He has played with the fiery baritone saxophonist Fred Ho, with drummer and conceptualist royal hartigan (in his quartet Blood Drum Spirit), been musical director for several vocalists, recorded with drummer Akira Tana, and saxophonists Don Braden plus Tom Tallitsch (and many more). He's released five albums as a leader with the most recent four appearing on Posi-Tone Records –– Hirahara has also played on numerous albums for the label as a member of collective ensembles organized by label owner Marc Free and other artists albums.
"Balance Point" (Posi-Tone) is the pianist's sixth album and features him on solo piano (two tracks), in trio settings with Joe Martin (bass) and Rudy Royston (drums) plus five tracks with tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana. All but one of the tunes come from Hirahara the exception being the lovely solo reading of Duke Ellington's "Prelude To A Kiss." In fact, the program opens with a solo piano work, "Mother's Son" –– the lovely ballad is soft, filled with emotion, and moves like a poem. That leads into the trio's take on the pianist's "Blessed Son, Mr. Weston", a piece dedicated to the late pianist Randy Weston. One can hints of the person being honored in the two-handed piano melody, in Royston's active rhythms, and Martin's fine bass work. Another delightful trio track is the sprightly "Had It Happened', a Hirahara original that sounds like a take on a Broadway classic. You can hear the influences of many pianists in the leader's work. Before the piece closes with a restatement of the theme, there's a lively exchange between the drums, bass, and piano.
Photo: Sara Pettinella
Ms. Aldana joins the trio for the title track whose opening moments and melody line may remind some of Keith Jarrett's quartets from the 1970s and 80s. The fullness of the piano chords and the explosive drumming under the saxophone solo has such an intense feel. The saxophonist also enlivens the fascinating "Like Water"; at 8:02, it's the longest track with over half the time dedicated to the fiery tenor solo. Royston solos next in his usual impressive fashion. "G-Yokoso" swings delightfully with splendid work all around from the four musicians.
Photo: Sara Pettinella
The album closes with "Lament for the Fallen", an original that pays tribute to the legends of jazz who created the myriad blueprints of the music. Pay close attention to the handsome melody (reminiscent of Carla Bley's work with the Liberation Music Orchestra) as well as the excellent percussion. The piece is through-composed save for the short coda, a lovely conclusion to a fine recording.
"Balance Point" illuminates the many talents of pianist and composer Art Hirahara. He continues to mature as both a player and writer, willing to share the spotlight with his fellow musicians. His work over the past nine years for Posi-Tone as a leader and a band member stands out on a label that has numerous excellent players.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that Art Hirahara splits the keyboard duties with Theo Hill on "One for 25", producer Marc Free's celebration of Posi-Tone's 25th anniversary. Featuring nine members of the label's artists lineup (three saxophonists, two brass, two pianists, plus bass and drums), the program includes nine songs from different band members as well as one each from guitarist Amanda Monaco, vibraphonist Behn Gillece, and pianist John Chin. Hirahara's contribution, "Where With All", is the final cut and has a lovely opening section for the reeds and brass sans rhythm section. When the rest of the band enters, the pianist takes off on a soulful journey with just bass and drums –– Royston solos next with the opening statement from the brass and reeds as his accompaniment. It's a lovely way to close out such a swinging session!
Also, Posi-Tone Records is now on Bandcamp! Lots of great music, much of it swings with joy!!
Give a listen:
Personnel:
Farnell Newton - trumpet Patrick Cornelius - alto saxophone Diego Rivera - tenor saxophone Michael Dease - trombone Lauren Sevian - baritone saxophone (four tracks) Art Hirahara - piano (seven tracks) Theo Hill - piano on four tracks & Rhodes on two others Boris Kozlov - bass Rudy Royston - drums
Linsday Victoria Photography
Pianist, composer, educator, and podcaster Jen Allen issued her sophomore album as a leader in late February of this year, her first album in nine years. Not that she hasn't been active –– she and fellow keyboardist Noah Baerman co-lead an ensemble Trio 149 plus they co-host a blog ("149 Sessions"), she currently serves on the faculties of Trinity College (Hartford CT) and Bennington College (VT), and is on the teaching faculty of the Litchfield Jazz Festival. Ms. Allen has also worked as a side person with numerous artists including bassist Ike Sturm, saxophonists Jimmy Greene, Don Braden, and Camille Thurman as well as bassist Nat Reeves.
The new recording, "Sifting Grace" (Outside In Music), features the pianist in a quartet setting with Kris Allen (alto and soprano saxophones), Marty Jaffe (bass), and Kush Abadey (drums). The opening two tracks, "Blanket Statement" and the title cut, set the pace. The former jumps right into a fast-paced romp led by the piano and alto reading the melody in unison while Jaffe and Abadey set a delightful pace. The latter opens with a lovely piano solo that leads the rest of the group in. The sax again plays the melody in unison with the piano before Ms. Allen takes the first solo. The medium-paced rhythms may remind some of different pieces of Charles Lloyd and you should enjoy how the pianist dances over the buoyant bass lines and Abadey's active drums.
Other highlights include the delightful "Easy Peasey" with its playful melody, stop-start rhythm, and Kris Allen's handsome soprano sax playing. The piano solo is both lilting and fun with a touch of romanticism. That romantic streak also pervades the opening piano statement and the fine soprano sax melody line of "Climbing Ivy", giving the piece the feel of a ballad played by the Branford Marsalis Quartet. Fine solos from Jaffe and Mr. Allen while Abadey tells his side of the story beneath them.
Lindsay Victoria Photography
"Sifting Grace" closes with "Kurinji". Named for a flowering shrub in South India that only blossoms every 12 years, the song dances forward on the strength of the rhythm, featuring strong piano and alto sax solos but make sure to pay attention to Abadey's splendid traps playing near the close.
Hopefully, it won't be twelve years before Jen Allen releases her third album. This music has energy, emotion, passion, melody, and a touch of sassiness plus empathy that allows the listener to bathe in the sounds. Enjoyable and thoughtful music for stressing times and for good times!
Vocalist J D Walter has been in and around the contemporary for the better part of two decades but lately, he's been missing. Turns out he was dealing with several physical issues that included vocal cord surgery. An inventive singer and arranger, one can just imagine how the sabbatical must have affected him. His new self-released project, "Dressed In a Song", shows renewed voice, vigor, and creativity. He and co-producer Al Pryor (GRAMMY winner as co-producer of Cécile McLorin Salvant's "The Window") picked seven songs, six pianists (includingJim Ridl, Orrin Evans, Taylor Eigsti, Marc Cary, Jean-Michel Pilc, and Julius Rodriguez) plus bassist Ben Wolfe, drummer Oded Calvaire, and Becca Stevens (charango and backing vocals) on "The Last Muse".
The title song opens the album – the piece is dedicated to the singer's mother, a musician who adopted Walter when he was just one year old. Taylor Eigsti's rich piano chords support the loving words, drawing in the listener to the personal poem of love. On the other side of the musical coin is the rapid-fire take of the classic "You Go To My Head". Composed in 1938 by J Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, before the end of the year, there were, at least, five separate recordings including ones by Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Teddy Wilson, and Fats Waller (the last three listed all sold very well). Pianist Jim Ridl sets a powerful pace and Walter gies the piece a passionate reading that includes a lovely over-dubbed vocal chorus near the close.
The album also includes an absolutely smashing reading of Bacharach-David's "What the Word Needs Now" (hear it below). Arranged by accompanist and long-time friend Orrin Evans, the duo removes all the saccharine feel that the lyrics can have (in the hands of less-accomplished interpreters) and makes the song necessary in today's pandemic climate. Meanwhile, "Brother John" is a Walter original dedicated to a friend who took his own life during the time the composer was preparing the songs for this album. The piano accompaniment of Marc Cary is quite empathetic, rich on its own terms, not just supporting the lyrics and the singer but offering lovely counterpoint.
The lovely gospel tune "All Through The Night" closes the album – the liner notes say that five of the six pianists appear during this song, especially on the unedited version that comes with the download. It's a great way to close the album, a heartfelt spiritual that not only speaks to Walter's recent physical issues but to all the listeners who cannot escape life's tragedies small and large. The closing 90 seconds of the piece should not be missed, starting with the scat vocal and what follows. A wonderful ending to a splendid recording.
There's not a weak track on "Dressed In a Song", each piece and all the pianists bringing something special to the visions set forth by J D Walter ("The Last Muse" is fascinating with Ms. Stevens voice and stringed instrument plus the rhythm section, Julius Rodriguez on piano). Take your time, explore each song two, maybe three, times before moving to the next track. There is so much to absorb with Walter's wide-ranging voice, quite emotional but never over-the-top, and the impressive accompaniment. Beauty in so many forms sounds so good, please listen to these songs.
Alto saxophonist Will Vinson, born in London, England, has been a resident of New York City for over two decades. He's worked or still is working with groups led by pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, drummer Ari Hoenig, saxophonist Miguel Zenón, and many others. He's a founding member of the cooperative trio OWL (with bassist Orlando Le Fleming and guitarist Lage Lund) plus has issued five albums as a leader on various labels including Criss Cross Records and Smalls Live. For "441", his debut on Whirlwind Recordings, Vinson chose to record with four different pianists – Sullivan Fortner, Tiger Hamasyan, Gerald Clayton, Fred Hersch, and the afore-mentioned Rubalcaba – and five different rhythm sections – bassists Matt Brewer, Matt Penman, Rick Rosato, and Larry Grenadierpaired with (in order) drummers Obed Calvaire, Billy Hart, Jochen Rueckert, Clarence Penn, andEric Harland(Brewer also plays with Penn).
The results are a fascinating blend of styles, ideas, and interactions. 11 tracks, nearly 77 minutes of music, with originals mixed with one standard ("Love Letters" from Edward Heyman and Victor Young) plus songs from Keith Jarrett, Thelonious Monk, Bryn Roberts, and John Lewis. Each pairing opens with a saxophone and piano duet with the following track featuring bass and drums. Fortner is the only pianist with three tracks, the opening two and the delightful duet with Vinson on Lewis's "Milestones" the album closer. The saxophonist's "Boogaloo" opens the album; it's a sweet blues that rolls along on the full piano chords and Vinson's lithe alto lines. Brewer and Calvaire, now partners in the current edition of the SF Jazz Collective, have a delightful time pushing and pulling at the rhythms of "Love Letters" while the saxophonist and pianist chase variations of the melody lines throughout.
Photo: Jimmy Katz
There's nary a weak track in the program. Each pianist brings his style and strengths to the music. Hamasyan is featured on Vinson's "Banal Street" and Jarrett's "Oasis." The former rolls along pleasingly with both musicians enjoying presenting the melody and then Hoth taking sweet solos. The quartet captures the European Quartet characteristics of "Oasis" with Vinson even channeling Jan Garbarek's tart alto tone. Matt Penman and Billy Hart sparkle in support. Clayton and Vinson pair up on two originals, the blues-soaked ballad "I Am James Bond" (powerful solos from both) and another slower original, "Cherry Time." Also a blues, the ballad gets a strong push from Penn and Brewer who really lock in under the solos, paying close attention to shifts in intensity and lightness. No surprise that Hersch brings a Monk tune to the party; he and Vinson dance their way through "Work", the subtle blend of richness and minimalism in the pianist's approach meshes well with the alto's jaunty solo. Vinson turns to soprano sax on Robert's handsome ballad "KW." Composed with Kenny Wheeler in mind, there's plenty of space in the opening sax-piano duo that is enhanced by the addition of bassist Rosato and the splendid brush work of Reuckert. Rubalcaba caresses the melody of Vinson's "The Way To You" which the saxophonist literally sings through his horn. They then share the album's longest track (10:18) with Grenadier and Harland – "That Happened" is quite a happening with the pianist and drummer in sync on the rhythms, fine solos from all four, and a breezy quality that builds to an intensity that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Lots and lots of music on "441", an album that invites one in and compels you to stay all the way through. Will Vinson must have had a ball mixing and matching the five pianists with the material as well as the rhythm sections. They all inspire his playing and, in turn, are inspired by his adventurousness and desire to have fun while telling these 11 stories. Take your time and let the music soak in – it's well worth the effort.
Here's the opening track featuring pianist Sullivan Fortner:
Slovenian-born and now New York City-based saxophonist (tenor and soprano plus bass clarinet) Jure Pukl is back with his third album for Whirlwind. "Broken Circles" finds Pukl in the company of a quartet of "young lions" including bassist Matt Brewer, guitarist Charles Altura, and especially vibraphonist Joel Ross (who is on a slew of recordings issued in the past four months), plus drummer Kweku Sumbry (The latter two can be heard on the powerful new Whirlwind release from bassist Harish Rhaghavan - read my review here).
Pukl created this program with this group in mind; the vast majority of the 11 tracks (plus the radio edit of "Separation") are originals with the one exception. "Gloomy Sunday" was composed in 1932 bu Hungarian composer Rezső Seress with the original lyrics plus the Englishtranslation linked to multiple suicides. The composer's story is fascinating yet this version is pushed forward by Sumbry's active drums. The melody is shared by the bass clarinet and vibes with guitar counterpoint. As an immigrant to the United States, Pukl composes songs that deal with broken families but also pieces that reflect life in a freer environment. An example of the former is "Separation", a somber ballad in which the tenor sax, guitar, and vibes each have a voice as does Brewer with a fine solo and the drummer taking the piece to its conclusion.
Photo: Aljosa Videtic
The center of the program is ballad-heavy. After the track above, "Compassion" opens with a kalimba melody before dropping into a slow, moody, ballad. Pukl's soprano plays the melody aided by quiet counterpoint from Ross and Brewer. "The afore-mentioned "Gloomy Sunday" is several tracks later followed by "Empty Words." There's a sparse quality to the tracking, at times, the rhythm stops. But, listen to how the musicians respond to the melody and to each other, not allowing excess emotion overtake the music. Near to the end of the program, "Kids" opens with Pukl's child offering a wordless vocal duo with Dad's tenor sax before the band enters with a sweet ballad. Altura's fine solo is a highlight but pay attention to what Brewer and Sumbry are creating beneath the guitar.
There's plenty of high-powered materials as well. The album kicks off with "Sustained Optimism", with the tenor sax and vibes playing the speedy melody while the drummer kicks everyone Ito gear. The title track follows; the song has quite a kick tumbling out of the rhythm section and the front line of tenor, vibes and guitar all take advantage to create strong solos. ""Triumph of Society" is also a very optimistic piece, tumbling forward with a delightful flow. The final track (before the extra radio edit) is the delightful "Sky Is The Limit" – Pukl's soprano sax shares the melody with guitar and then jumps into his solo, his melodic phrases high up in the soprano's range caught up in the powerful rhythmic flow below him.
Listening to "Broken Circles", one hears a quintet of musicians working and playing to create messages that resonate. Jure Pukl has been an impressive player since first coming to critical attention in the early years of the previous decade. His writing keeps on maturing as does his playing. He's recorded and/or worked with musicians such as pianist Vijay Iyer, drummer Damion Reid, the Vienna Sax Quartet, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, and his wife, saxophonist Melissa Aldana. This current quintet deserves to be heard in person as each person brings great musical knowledge to the project. Pay attention!
Been over two decades since saxophonist and NEA Jazz master Dave Liebman began his musical exploration and interpretation of the four Natural Elements. Starting in 1997 with "Water" (featuring Pat Metheny, Billy Hart, and Cecil McBee), then moving on to "Air" (a 2006 duo with computer whiz Walter Quintus), and then 2016's "Fire" (with Kenny Werner, Dave Holland, and Jack DeJohnette. Liebman brings the cycle to a close with "Earth" (Whaling City Sounds), a 14-piece suite that features his touring and recording group Expansions. The leader brings his signature soprano saxophone plus wooden recorder; the group consists of Matt Vashlishan (Wind synth, reeds), Bobby Avey (piano, keyboards), Alex Ritz (drums), and longtime associate Tony Marino (electric bass).
Liebman constructed this band to be an electro-acoustic outfit and no one exemplifies that more than Vashlishan. having seen the group in concert, it's impressive how he blends the wind synth in the more traditional sounds of piano, bass, and drums. One can hear that in all its glory on "Volcano/Avalanche" where his instrument creates the former and Liebman's darting soprano lines the other. Marino's bass and Ritz's drums keep the music from falling apart as well as add to the energy needed to tell the story. "The Sahara" is introduced by the percussion/ wooden flute "Interlude", complete with wind sounds from the synth and bass. The evocative soprano sax lead then blends with the wind synth to push the song into a different mood. Avey's electric piano solo over the powerful drum playing stands out.
Photo: N Hayashi
There are amazing moments throughout. The short "Interludes" not only serve as solo spotlights (in the instances above and below, an augmented duo) but also introduce the following track. Avey's piano spot may remind some of a waterfall or a gentle rain outside the window while Vashlishan's seems other-worldly but not unlike the synth work of the late Joe Zawinul. Ritz's spot is conversational while Marino plays a chordal riff with the drummer keeping time. Liebman's soprano solo "Interlude" is evocative of standing on a ridge and leads into "Grand Canyon/ Mt. Everest", a musical appreciation of these natural wonders with each voice stepping forward and then back into the ensemble in a slow procession that compels the listener to sit and let the music unfold, not to rush to move forward but take in the beauty of creation.
Photo: Attila Kleb
The music moves back from its close examination of the natural wonders of "Earth" to its place in the greater Cosmos. The album closes with "Galaxy", a raucous, funk-driven piece that has the feel of the music Miles Davis created for the "On The Corner". Marino and Ritz really drive this piece with Avey's chattering keys, Vashlishan's squealing wind synth, and Liebman's fiery soprano lines fluttering over the top of it. Midway through the piece, Avey steps out with just Ritz supplying the pulse before Marino reenters and pushes them harder. The ends then come in and help to take the piece into a short restatement of "Earth Theme", bringing the project back to a close but also serving as an invitation to reenter this music's rich atmosphere.
Photo: N. Hayashi
The pictures that Dave Liebman Expansions creates on "Earth" come into clearer focus each time you listen. This is music that connects you to the natural world in unexpected ways, asking one to pay closer attention to the majesty of what is all around you, impelling you to go outside away from the daily hustle if only for a short walk in the woods or by a river or near a pond or up to a mountain top.
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