Here’s an idea that is as clever and unique as it is successful. Keyboardist David Arnay starts the album off with a solo piano tune, in this case “Caravan,” and adds an instrument until you get to the last song that has…you guessed it…eight musicians. If it sounds like a gimmick, it isn’t and the creativity involved is admirable. Originals by Arnay have Edwin Livingston/b, Peter Erskine/dr and Doug Webb/ts joining the stage for enjoyable small group pieces, while the sextet reading of the classic “Giant Steps” is taken at an exquisitely slow ballad pace, melding Webb’s soprano with Paco Loco’s guitar and Munyungo Jackson’s percussion to a beautiful creamy sauce. The remaining two pieces simply make you wish this were a double disc release that climaxes in a big band setting, but maybe that’s for the next set. Lots to like here!
Studio N Records