Creature Of Habit
Planet Arts, 2015
8/10
The New York pianist Tim Olsen is joined by several players for these diverse jazz songs that emit bebob, swing and Latin ideas in a variety of settings.
“Barely Blues” begins with Eric Walentowicz’s bright alto sax amid the dense keys and Lou Smaldone’s dancing bass lines, and “The Way” follows with a swift delivery thanks to the rich sax, flowing keys and playful bass.
The middle spot belongs to “Morning In Morocco”, where Walentowicz handles tenor sax alongside Olsen’s animated keys, while “Park Avenue” focuses on piano and spotlights the warm and eloquent key playing.
Closer to the end, “Noche Azul” welcomes Dylan Canterbury’s cozy flugelhorn and Pete Toigo’s meticulous bass via the intimate climate, and the extended version of “Park Avenue” finishes with Canterbury’s radiant trumpet complementing Walentowicz’s alto sax and Olsen’s keys that emit a timeless jazz spirit.
A really memorable and collaborative outing, anyone with an interest in jazz from any era will appreciate Olsen’s vision.
Travels well with: Tim Olsen Band- Obsidian; Adam Glaser- Excursions