Dedication
Origin, 2022
9/10
An important piece of the New York jazz scene for 4 decades now, Bruce Barth brings his inimitable piano skills to these 7 well thought out and rich pieces that welcome Vincente Archer (bass) and Montez Coleman (drums).
“George’s Party (For George Perry)” opens the listen with a bouncy and frisky display of warm keys, swift drumming and fluid bass lines, and “Courage (For All Of Us)” follows with a calmer display of agile piano and strategic drumming that’s quite unpredictable.
“Let’s Go (For McCoy Turner)” lands in the middle, and emits a playful energy as the dynamic rhythm section really radiates, while “Better Days” uses hypnotic keys and a lively energy that will get your body moving to the charming melodies.
“That’s How It Sometimes Goes (For Tommy Flanagan)” lands closer to the end, and really spotlights Barth’s finger acrobatics alongside the meticulous drums, and “Softly, In A Garden Path” exits with an elegant and intimate track that possesses much beauty in the cautious interaction between the trio.
Very tragically, Coleman passed away a few months after this was recorded, and his inestimable drumming really anchors the album, and his spirit is carried on in the themes of relationships, guidance, and gratefulness that take on an entirely new meaning now.
Travels well with: Chris Walden & LMR Jazz Orchestra- Missa Iubileum Aureum: Golden Jubilee Jazz Mass; Dave Slonaker Big Band- Convergency