Think all solo piano records sound the same? Here is a trio of new releases in this genre that you’ll compare and contrast for quite some time. I’ve never heard of any of the artists before, but am impressed by each one for different reasons.
Billy Lester’s got an inquisitive touch to his collection of originals. Each composition comes across like an undulating story, you feel like you’re being taken on some sort of excursion on songs like “Lightning Man,” “Dark Streets” and “Another Dream.” His sense of swing comes from the bop era, as his “Ode to Bud Powell” reveals, but there’s an inquisitive and assertive sense of Monkish dark experimentation as well as revealed on “Lullabye” and “Sal Mosca.” Impressive and extremely well thought out.
On the other side of the spectrum, David Chesky goes back to the roots of jazz with a collection of original compositions that tip the hat to the likes of Jelly Roll Morton, Joseph Lamb and Scott Joplin. The songs like “The Duke” and “Times Square” have a spry bounce in their steps, and Chesky’s touch is bright, light and cheery. Almost like a calliope, he turns out the notes on “The Park Avenue Rag” in such a way that you’re part of a bygone era, walking your baby back home. Fun and fresh.
Sandwiched between the two in style is a flowing and lyrical collection of originals by Laszlo Gardony. There’s an intimacy and relaxed melodicism during the whole album, with pieces like “Surface Reflections” and “Opened Window” gently rolling like a spring stream. Some longer pieces like “Better Place” and “Resilient Joy” rise and fall like a gentle tide with gardony’s touch giving hints of Debussy and Satie with it’s romantic impressionism. As refreshing as spring orange blossoms. 