Flow
OA2, 2024
9/10
The esteemed pianist Jihee Heo is aligned with Alexander Claffy, Joe Farnsworth and Vincent Herring for these mostly trio selections that embrace Heo’s time in South Korea, Amsterdam and New York City- her current home.
“New Yorker Step” opens with Heo’s swift keys that are complemented by Farnsworth’s frisky drums and Claffy’s lively bass lines, and “I Can See Only One Step Ahead” follows with much melody, where the trio interact with grace and warmth.
Moving into the middle, “Extreme Noise Blocker” uses scrappy drumming and firm keys for an animated moment of beauty, while “The Hidden Giant” recruits Herring’s bright tenor sax prowess to the rhythmic album highlight.
Deeper still, “In A Sentimental Mood” is indeed introspective, where much intimacy is present from the calm keys and minimal drumming, and “The Late Bloomer” exits with Herring back for a swift and dynamic finish that’s gritty, exciting and meticulous.
A very colorful and expressive outing, Heo’s studies in classical, bop and experimental jazz are certainly present and appreciated across this entire harmonic and detailed effort.
Travels well with: Live Edge Trio- Closing Time; Chuck Owen- Magic Light