When Lights Are Low
PM, 2020
8/10
An accordionist, pianist, arranger and composer, Kenny Kotwitz pays tribute to the classic sound of the Art Van Damme Quintet as him and the LA Jazz quintet bring much atmosphere to these 13 timeless standards.
The title track starts the listen with warm accordion that complements the soothing landscape of vibraphone friendly jazz, and “Skylark” continues the theme with cautious instrumentation alongside dynamic waltz interplay, as does the plucked upright bass of “Cry Me A River”.
Closer to the middle, “Closer She Calls Me” bounces gently with plenty of ambience, while “Darn My Dream” emits a vintage appeal in its precise delivery. “Manhattan”, an album stand out, then recruits plenty of rhythm and melody to the gorgeous call and response from vibraphone and guitar.
At the end, “Stairway To The Stars” waltzes with much grace, and the reprise version of the title track exits the listen with an introspective and haunting quality that lingers long after the song ends.
Kotwitz was a student of Van Damme, who would have been 100 this year, and he’s certainly doing a fantastic job keeping the tradition of jazz accordion sounds alive across these imaginative and laid back reworkings.
Travels well with: Benny Rubin Jr.- Know Say Or See; Jason Kao Hwang- Human Rites Trio