Viewpoint
Alys, 2023
8/10
The British pianist Gabriel Latchin returns with his 4th album, and it’s a personal affair that features the new trio of Joe Farnsworth (drums) and Jeremy Brown (bass).
“Says Who” starts the listen with a frisky pace of warm keys and agile drumming that’s quite stylish, and “Prim And Proper” follows with a cozy melody populating the very playful key progressions.
“A Stitch In Time” lands in the middle, and showcases Brown’s bouncy bass lines amid the swift drumming, while “A Bird In The Hand” welcomes a bit of intimacy into the timeless jazz sensibilities.
Close to the end, “Rest And Be Thankful” recruits a hypnotic appeal that’s rich and uniquely comforting, and “A Song For Herbie” exits with a tribute of sorts to Herbie Hancock, where all the players illuminate their respective talents in the mesmerizing, powerful and cautious finish.
A listen that touches on bebop as well as all the timeless hallmarks of jazz that we could never tire of, Latchin continues to cement himself as one of the finest piano players today.
Travels well with: Connie Han- Secrets Of Inanna; Charles Lloyd- Vanishing Gardens