Live In Montauk
Savant, 2023
9/10
The esteeemed pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger Bill O’Connell is joined by Craig Handy, Santi Debriano, Billy Hart and special guest Randy Brecker for these 7 live tunes of unpredictable and timeless jazz.
The warm and stylish “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me” starts the listen with Handy’s bright sax and Hart’s proficient drums complementing O’Connell’s fluid keys, and “Sparks” follows with the finger acrobatics on keys adding a mesmerizing quality alongside Debriano’s well timed bass.
“Moanin’” and “No Rhyme Or Reason” exit the listen, where the former bops and shakes with a soulful and dynamic energy, while the latter is full of intimate gestures that radiate both restraint and adventurousness.
Approaching the end, the infectious and busy textures of “Ripty Boom” makes this the set’s best, and “Tip Toes” exits with Randy Brecker’s lively trumpet that suits O’Connell’s dizzying key progressions.
A listen where all the players bring immense talent and distinct playing, the sound quality here is excellent and the delivery flawless.
Travels well with: Saturn Quartet- Luz; Jakob Dreyer- Songs, Hymns And Ballads Vol. 2