For his first ECM release, pianist/composer Shai Maestro displays the same deep lyricism that worked so well for him with his teaming with vocalist Theo Bleckmann last year. He does a bit of solo here, but mostly leads a trio with Jorge Roeder/b and Ofri Nehemya/dr. Of the solo excursions, he is nocturmal reflective on “My Second Childhood,” lyrically classical during “Choral” and exploratively reflective for an intriguing read of the standard “These Foolish Things.”
He opens spaciously before Nehmemya’s cymbals gently enter during “Lifeline” while his brushes slowly build up on the soft “The Dream Thief” before the team builds up to a rich climax.” Similar in thought is “The Forgotten Village” with an unassuming cadence gradually builds up steam while “New River, New Water” is a fun and funky thing with hand drums and rumbling undercurrents. The closing “What Else Needs to Happen” is a moody haze enhanced by a speech by President Obama, ending things on a thoughtful encouragement.
ECM Records