Being Human
Challenge, 2024
9/10
This 17th album as leader brings Lynne Arriale’s piano and composing skills to Alon Near’s bass and Lukasz Zyta’s drumming for 10 songs that surround courage, love, soul and faith.
“Passion” opens the listen with Arriale’s flowing keys alongside the skilled drumming, as plenty of breezy melody unfolds, and “Courage” follows with a more firm approach of bright keys, crips drums and dense bass that’s rich and eloquent.
“Curiosity” arrives in the middle, and is indeed frisky thanks to Arriale’s unpredictable keys and the adventurous bass progressions, while “Persistence” rumbles with an animated spirit via the meticulous rhythm section and glowing keys.
Close to the end, “Gratitude” emits a sublime intimacy thanks to the radiant keys, light drums and subtle bass, and the reprise version of “Love” exits the listen with dreamy, wordless vocals that mesmerize the listener.
A luminary in the area of contemporary jazz. Arriale’s formula stimulates the brain, heart, body and soul, and the excellent help in attendance only further extends that connection.
Travels well with: Susan Alcorn- Canto; Sara Serpa and guitarist André Matos- Nightbirds