In Motion
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The pianist, composer and arranger Marcus Persiani released a pair of records in 2023 (the other being The Proper Time), and this one’s a trio setting where Curtis Lundy and Emanuel Harrold accompany him for 8 meticulous jazz instrumentals.
The rhythmic and melodic “No Problem” opens the listen with Persiani’s dancing keys amid Harrold’s frisky drumming for the infectious climate, and “Edda” follows with a bright tone of flowing, intricate jazz that emits plenty of warmth.
At the halfway point, the intimacy of “For Heaven’s Sake” welcomes the elegant piano alongside Lundy’s cozy bass plucking that populates the emotive landscape, while “Bemsha Swing” indeed swings playful via the animated rhythm section and Persiani’s charming and exciting progressions on piano.
Arriving near the end, “La Puerta” offers a dreamy album highlight that emits so much rich beauty from the trio, and “Footsteps Blues” exits with all 3 players contributing their respective strengths with agility, precision and grace.
Persiani is as prolific as he is impressive, and both albums he released last year provide a memorable platform for his excellent piano prowess and timeless jazz song craft.
Travels well with: Marcus Persiani- The Proper Time; Emmet Goods- Another Level