The wonderful world of 3 way interplay
The trio of Rick Rosato/b, Glenn Zaleski/p and drummer Colin Stranahan mix it up and stretch out at a night at the legendary NYC Jazz Standard. The sole cover is a re-arranged and tricky take of a nimble “All The Things You Are” that has bass and drums conversing like old friends. Zaleski shows his Ahmad Jamal spaciousness on the hip “Forecasst” and is delicate over Stranahan’s deft brushes on the tribute to Fred Hersch in “Chorale.” Drums drive forward to Zaleski’s glistening touch as they give space to Rosato on “Sullivan Place,’ and everyone has a chance to step out for the spotlight, but it always seems to be a part of the mosaic. No influence of The Bad Plus, so these guys know how to think for themselves. Bravo.
Bassist Jeff Denison employs the talents of guitarist Romain Pion and drumming superstar Brian Blade for a decalog of originals. The moods are subtle and subdued, with Blade using brushes like Gauguin on the deft “”En Trois Temps” and folksy “Song Of A Solitary Cow.” Denson and Blade percolate on the glowing “Listen Up” with the leader displaying his solo wares, while Pilon shows his delicate touch on “Generation.” A wonderfully laconic “Lost And Found” and lyrical “Madrid” show how the team can swing with soft tones. Understated joys.