Perfectly Spaced
Calligram, 2023
9/10
The Chicago pianist Steve Million brings along Mark Feldman, Eric Hochberg and Bob Rummage for plenty of improvisation packed into this exciting jazz listen.
Million’s expressive keys open the listen with the rhythmic and warm title track, where Hochberg’s bouncy bass lines won’t go unnoticed, and “Tortured Moon” follows with Feldman’s stirring violin complementing the strong attention to mood.
The playful “Ditty Do Wah” arrives in the middle and uses Rummage’s frisky drums amid the plucked bass and agile keys, while “Idnit” contains both busy and bare moments of beauty and grace from the skilled quartet.
Residing near the end, the swift strings and meticulous keys of “Onjeeh” won’t go unnoticed, and “Time Remembered” exits with a sublime intimacy via the aching violin, gorgeous piano and cozy interaction that tugs on the heartstrings.
A diverse listen that can be mournful as well as swing with friskiness, Million and company make for a record that will appeal to jazz fans from any era.
Travels well with: Atlantic Road Trip- One; Dave Bayles Trio- Live At The Uptowner