88 keys, alone and with friends.
Pianist Ron Stabinsky goes solo for eight improvised tracks. He has a strong and classically trained hand, as he delivers intricate explorations that can either be logically rapid or go into scattergories as on “ 31” and “Not Long Now/Long Now.” There’s an interesting tug of war between trickles of notes and giant splashes on “For Reel,” and he is able to display melodicism on the two bookends of “,,,After It’s Over” and “Once, But Again…” Adventurous.
Pianist Addison Frei works with a core of Perrin Grace/b and Matt Young/dr with guest appearances by Tahira Clayton-Janis Siegel/voc, Andy Clausen/tb, Rachel Koblyakov/vi and Wayne Tucker/tp. The trio sides include a brooding bass and reflective keys on “Many Are The Nights” a gently plucked piano string on “Shanendoah” and a thoughtful “Argyle How Infinite.” The mourning trombone on the calm “Transit” has Frei rustling underneath and tender vocals flow along on “Clinging.” There’s and indie feel to the entire set that is cozy and unpretentious.