Playdate
MarKeez, 2022
8/10
The exceptional piano player Geoffrey Keezer returns with his 23rd album as leader, where his composing and arranging skills take help from Shedrick Mitchell (Hammond B3 organ), Ron Blake (tenor, soprano sax), Richie Goods (acoustic, electric basses) and Kendrick Scott (drums), plus guests, for a very diverse and accomplished 6 tracks.
“Refuge” opens the listen with firm keys and sweeping strings, as a very tense, cinematic appeal unfolds with help from Aayushi Karnik on guitar, and “I.L.Y.B.D.” follows with the bright and soulful sax prowess aligning with the very proficient drumming in the energetic jazz delivery.
The middle tracks belong to “Her Look, Her Touch” and “Tomorrow”, where the former glides with a very intimate, rich display of graceful keys, stirring brass and restrained drums, while the latter recruits Nir Felder on guitar and Munyungo Jackson’s well timed percussion for the bluesy touch of radiant beauty.
Near to the end, “Bebah” showcases meticulous organ skills amid the dreamy landscape, and “M’s Bedtime Blues” exits with a bouncy and upbeat demeanor that will get your body moving to the infectious musicianship.
From funk to hard bop to gospel and many places in between, Keezer and company make for a textured and exciting listen that’s as unpredictable as it is memorable.
Travels well with: Billy Drummond And Freedom Of Ideas- Valse Sinistre; Grant Stewart- The Lighting Of The Lamps