Tone Paintings
MCG, 2022
8/10
The exceptional pianist Craig Davis pays tribute to his fellow Pittsburgh native Michael ‘Dodo’ Marmarosa across these 11 tracks, where he brings along John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton behind the drum kit.
The aptly titled “Mellow Mood” starts the listen with dancing keys, as the charming bass and well timed drums make for a very charming opener, and “Dodo’s Bounce” follows with a frisky pace of energetic, dance floor ready jazz.
Elsewhere, “A Ditty For Dodo” showcases the very memorable bass playing amid the elegant keys, while “Compadoo” bounces and shakes with an infectious melody thanks to the precise interaction between the trio.
The title track arrives late in the listen, and it’s the album highlight that pays close attention to mood in its solo piano delivery that’s heavy on atmosphere, and “Dodo’s Lament” exits the record with a pensive demeanor that benefits much from Hamilton’s brushed drums that complement the intimate formula.
Marmarosa passed away 20 years ago, and lived a very modest life, to the point where his influence on Steel City jazz was becoming understated. Davis and company certainly raise his profile with this tribute listen, and it comes with plenty of bebop nods and soulful moments in the timeless jazz formula.
Travels well with: Amos Gillespie- Unstructured Time; Gerry Eastmen Trio- Trust Me