Fred Hersch - Fred Hersch Trio + 2

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Music reviews of Fred Hersch Trio + 2

Music Review: Palmetto's on a roll . . .
Rating: 5 Stars

There are many things that distinguish this disc. First is perhaps the near-miracle of getting five such strong musical personalities to mesh so seamlessly. Leader Hersch (piano), Drew Gress (double-bass), and Nasheet Waits (drums)--who seems to be getting around a lot lately--form Hersch's regular trio, and have been playing together for several years now. They are certainly among the first echelon of regularly performing jazz groups on the scene today, and each possesses a unique voice and conceptual approach to his instrument. They're joined here by two very strong--though quite different--musical personalities, Tony Malaby (tenor sax) and Ralph Alessi (trumpet and Flugelhorn). Both Malaby and Alessi regularly participate in some of the edgier new jazz, have a couple of remarkable "out" discs under their belts as leaders, and find themselves at home in a wide range of modern jazz idioms. As far as I know neither has played with the other before (nor with any other of the band members), although you couldn't tell it from their highly sophisticated and very satisfying playing, be it fluid fugal passages, rich ensemble voicings, or masterful solos. Both make a strong impression, with (surprising for me, as I don't generally favor trumpet) Alessi just edging out Malaby on the strength of his solos on "A Riddle Song" and "A Lark" (although Malaby takes a lovely and inspired solo on "Rain Waltz, interestingly utilizing mainly the middle-to-bottom range of his horn).

The songs range quite freely across the modern jazz soundscape, with several of them having interesting formal considerations as part of their musical makeup (according to Hersch, in his liner notes). For example, "Black Dog Pays a Visit," a meditation on depression, is made up entirely of minor chords, and "A Riddle Song" comprises only intervals of perfect fifths. Many also are dedicated to various and sundry musical friends and associates and consequently echo their dedacatees' particular sound or instrumental approach. Among these are "A Lark," dedicated to English trumpeter Kenny Wheeler; "Down Home," in honor of Bill Frisell; "Marshall's Plan," dedicated to another trumpeter, John Marshall (oddly a piano trio-only number--and they really cook!); "Lee's Dream," a duo with Malaby inspired by the great Lee Konitz; and "The Chase," for the fine alto sax player, Allan Chase. This "tribute" approach makes for quite a variety of musical endeavor, which becomes an attractive showcase both for Hersch's writing talents and the band's dexterity.

They way the leader has conceptualized this disc results in continually interesting, sometimes mesmerizing, and typically quite lovely music. I applaud Hersch for taking the risk to augment his already very accomplished and successful trio with the high-powered horn duo of Malaby and Alessi. And I applaud eveyone involved for putting aside egos and coming together to produce music of the very highest accomplishment.

Description of Fred Hersch Trio + 2

Broadway & Vocalists CDs

• Music > Styles
• Jazz
• Pop