Drummer Lenny White has been making a name for himself as a talent scout, Georgia-born (not deep south, but near east) in 1996, pianist Beka Gochiashvili is his latest find, and he’s a good one. White went through his Rolodex (am I REALLY dating myself now? OK, through his cell phone) and called up some of his best buds, with high rollers like Stanley Clarke, John Patitucci, Victor Bailey, Wallace Roney and Jaleel Shaw just the first breath of musicians on this straightahead gem. Some real chops are shown by the young man on “Un Gran Abrazo,” but this kid’s more than just a trained side show. He can go lyrical (“Song to Niniko”) and thoughtful, showing depth of touch (“Made of Tenderness”). He h as an amazing sense of timing, and knows when to hold ‘em and fold ‘em as on “Hero Bichebo.” The old timers sound like they’re having a gas of a time as well, as you will when you hear this fresh as a daisy newcomer. Check him out!
Exitus Entertainment LLC
www.bekagochiashvili