If you’re a fan of the Modern Jazz Quartet, pianist Aaron Diehl is gonna get you in the right mood. He teams up here with David Wong/b, Rodney Green/dr and Warren Wolf/vibe for a collection of tunes that takes the MJZ concept to a higher plane of chamber jazz. Chops, fiery interplay and ferocious solos abound on material like the red hot boppers “Stop and Go” and “Generation Y” which have sparks flying in all directions between the ivories and vibes. A trio reading of Ravel’s “Le tombeau De Couperin” reveals a lovely and gracious touch by Diehl, while his impression of Ellington’s “The Single Petal of a Rose” is as delicate as morning dew. The mix of interpretations of classical, classic jazz as well as his own originals is a refreshing blast of spring air. Look for this one!
Mack Avenue Records