I know everyone talks about Brad Mehldau or Keith Jarrett being the top two honchos on jazz piano, but lemme tell ya, my money is on Fred Hersch. Like Tony Bennett, he may not put out hits, but twenty years from now, people are going to look at his voluminous catalogue and say, “How could I have missed him?” This two disc set covering a week of gigs at the Vanguard is “just” another volume in the anthology.
His trio with John Hebert/b and Eric McPherson/dr hum together like Showtime Lakers from the 80s. Hersch’s own material like “Havana” or “Rising Falling” have thoughtful melodies, and the three gents pass around the themes like the Harlem Globetrotters. No histrionics here, no cacophony or showboating at all, but influences and inspirations pop up. A deft tip to Monk on his own work and on “Played Twice” shows an affinity for prismatic reflections, while his solo take on “The Wind,” as well as his reading of “I Fall I Love Too Easily” show his hand of romanticism. McPherson’s framework is the work of a man who’s a good listener, while Hebert keeps things together like a group therapy counselor on “Segment.” Erudite without sounding haughty, sophisticated without sophistry, and swinging without glibness, this band is setting standards with standards.
Palmetto Records