It may not be the world’s oldest profession, but leading a piano trio has to be in the top ten for jazz artists. Here are two that continue the tradition.
Tim Ray leads with John Lockwood/b and Mark Walker/dr through a mix and match of jazz standards and originals. He’s got an inquisitive and playful touch, as well as a love for Ellington as he boogaloos through a clever take of “ I’m Beginning to See The Light” and gives dashes of Duke on “DE-Train” Bass and piano get coy on “Toys” drums and ivories get kinetic during “Monk’s Dream” and the trio bounces well on “ Dolphin Dance” while they flow on “Joy”. Happiness is exuded on “Star Eyes” and swing is bopped on “12 by 7.” Upbeat and uptempo.
Jarrett Cherner likes to open his songs in a solo format before letting the bandmates (Jore Roeder-Haggai Cohen-Milo/b and Jason Burger-Richie Barshay/dr) come in to finish up the ideas. He takes on a couple Ornette Coleman pieces, with some clever throbbing on bass and drum on “ What Reason Could I Give” while Cherner strides over a boogying “Turnaround.” The team gives a clever clippety clop on Otis Redding’s “I Got The Will” while the trio of self-penned “Meditations” are thoughtful, graceful and somber. Deep notes and deep thoughts.
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