Rising
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
The esteemed pianist and vocalist Mavis Pan is joined by Ted Nash, Geoff Burke, Mark Wade and Jared Schonig for these jazz and Western classical sounds that touch on Pan’s life experiences.
The bouncy bass from Wade starts the rich and upbeat “Chances Are Odd”, and “Falling” follows with Nash’s heartfelt tenor sax amid the intimate keys for an emotive delivery.
Deeper into the listen, “Dusk” showcases Pan’s melodic key gestures alongside Burke’s elegant clarinet, while “Formosa Spring” makes great use of Nash’s dreamy flute via the lively and rhythmic album highlight that swings playfully.
Residing near the end, “Tarab Suite III. Seventy Times Seven” spotlights Schonig’s frisky drumming and Burke’s radiant soprano sax, and “You Must Believe In Love” exits with intimacy and a powerful performance of gorgeous singing that places Nash on clarinet.
An effort that soundtracks a person, place or challenge that Pan has overcome, there’s a tremendous amount of heart and soul buried in these graceful and ebullient selections.
Travels well with: April Varner- April; Ivanna Cuesta- A Letter To The Earth