The Many Open Minds Of Roger Kellaway
IPO, 2019
8/10
Listen to The Many Open Minds Of Roger Kellaway
Now 80 years old, Roger Kellaway doesn’t appear to be slowing down one bit as he returns to his roots with this jazz album that’s full of his adventurous and clever delivery.
“52nd Street Theme” gets the album started off with incredible piano acrobatics from Kellaway as Bruce Forman and Dan Lutz back him up on guitar and bass, and “Have You Met Miss Jones” follows with a calmer spirit as the trio flesh out fine, classic jazz sounds.
Elsewhere, “Take Five” flows with firm rhythm and plenty of lively swing, while “Take The ‘A’ Train” starts out gentle before building into a double time gem.
At the end, ‘Night And Day” radiates inimitable and memorable song craft, and “Caravan” exits the listen quick and agile, as the 3 musicians birth complicated and easily embraceable music that few could replicate.
Amazingly, this is a live set from the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, though if it weren’t for the audible audience you might not know it since the performance is so flawless. Now 57 years after his debut, Kellaway is still making relevant, glorious albums; the list of artists who can boast a similar achievement is pretty slim.
Travels well with: Dave Miller Trio- Just Imagine; Augie Haas- Dream A Little Dream