The Warehouse Sessions
Linus, 2022
8/10
Listen to The Warehouse Sessions
The exceptional pianist Michael Kaeshammer brings his Juno nominated skills to 9 jazz-soul songs here, where he’s accompanied by David Piltch on bass and Johnny Vidacovich behind the drum kit.
“You Got It In Your Soulness” starts the listen with bright keys, playful drumming and bouncy bass lines in the lively jazz opener, and “How Long Blues” follows with much focus on drumming and atmosphere, where the quivering keys help cultivate plenty of rhythm.
In the middle, “Caravan” emits thumping drums, as a stylish demeanor unfolds with the precisely plucked bass, while “Bourdon Street Parade” is indeed festive, and flows with an infectious energy that you can’t not move your body to.
Approaching the end, “Ramblin’” illustrates how dynamic the rhythm section is, as Kaeshammer’s finger acrobatics help make this the album’s best, and “The Preacher” exits with focus on the meticulous keys amid much grace and adventurousness.
An album of all first takes, Kaeshammer and company bring funk, gospel and boogie woogie moments to their timeless jazz template, and it makes for a listen is just as much fun to listen to as it probably was to make.
Travels well with: Derrick Procell- Hello Mojo!; Dave Weld- Nightwalk