In between his touring with vocalist Cecile McLoren Salvant and Wynton Marsalis, pianist Aaron Diehl has released some impressive albums of his own. This latest one has him with his core trio of David Wong/b and Quincy Davis/dr showing their intricate teamwork on pieces such as “Uranus.” Lots of guests join in here, with Joe Temperley glowing like a full moon on the ebullient “The Steadfast Titan” and tenor legend Benny Golson creating a bopping front line with Bruce Harris/tp for a pair of longer tunes of wondrous bop, with “Organic Consequence” and the title track mixing rich harmonies with verdant drive. Vocalist Charenee Wade brings her rich and luminous voice to the title track as well, while tenor saxist Stephen Riley does impressive work on “Kat’s Dance.” Through it all, Diehl is able to show his swing chops as on “Broadway Boogie Woogie,” his ability to go deep as on “Santa Maria” and stretch his fingers and harmonic capabilities during the entire album. Impressive, sophisticated, and still able to connect to the listener. He bodes jazz a hopeful future.
Mack Avenue Records