Alex Brown
Paquito D’Rivera Presents Alex Brown, Pianist
Sunnyside Records
www.sunnysiderecords.com
www.paquitorecords.com
By George W. Harris

Here’s a new kid on the block that is hitting the ground running. Pianist Alex Brown’s debut release is the product of a two day recording session that is filled with excitement, chops and passion. Except for the roller coaster trio reading (with Ben Williams/b and Eric Doob/dr) of “Just One Of Those Things,” the disc is made up of complex and mood shifting originals with the addition of D’Rivera’s reeds, Warren Wolf’s marimba, Vivek Patel’s horn and Perdo Martinez’s percussion. Sparks fly and almost set the trees on fire on the torrid “Buleria” and “The Wrong Jacket” with some effervescent yet not hyperbolic piano work by the leader. Wolf’s marimba lends a nice Caribbean flavor to “Prologue” while D’Rivera’s clarinet exudes gentility on the spacious and starry “Lamentos.” Well thought out arrangements make each song a thoughtful adventure, with the solos keeping everyone on their toes. Bravo!