Building Characters
Cellar, 2025
9/10
The pianist Charles Chen is joined by an all-star cast for these 8 songs that draws from heroes from jazz, fiction, mythology and anime for this 2nd album.
“Kismet” starts with Chen’s soft keys that builds into a frisky climate thanks to Adam Nussbaum’s agile drumming, and “Zhang Fei, Fierce Warrior” follows with a busy delivery thanks to Bob Sheppard and Lawrence Feldman’s soaring tenor saxophones.
Halfway through is where “Colossus Of Rhodes” lands, and it radiates intimacy via the soulful winds and Mike Richmond’s strategic bass, while “Alice In Wonderland” emits warmth and coziness courtesy of the mature keys and light drums.
Close to the end, “Soph, Aeon Of Wisdom” allows for Randy Brecker’s stirring trumpet to guide the dreamy album highlight, and “Stardust” exits strong to attention to interplay between the skilled players.
An exceptional album that spans balladry, grooves, and plenty of timeless jazz sensibilities, Chen and his company possess a stunning chemistry.
Travels well with: Cory Weeds- Home Cookin’; Spike Wilner Trio Contrafactus- The Children & The Warlock