New York Chapter
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The esteemed pianist and composer Roland Tempelaar brings Myles Sloniker and his bass, as well as Pete Van Nostrand’s drums, to these very well executed mix of originals and standards.
“Beatrice” starts the listen with 5 minutes of elegant keys as restrained drumming and softly plucked bass add much warmth to the timeless jazz opener, and “Slow Hot Wind” follows with a more firm approach that brings much beauty and calm melody as the strategic bass playing is nothing short of fascinating.
“Tenderly” lands at the halfway point and provides a platform for Tempelaar’s sublime keys to shine, while “Invitation” welcomes shuffling drumming to the frisky, dance floor friendly album highlight. “Like Someone In Love”, another exceptional track, then has the trio working together dynamically in the playful, upbeat and indeed romantic climate.
“To Chicago” and “Misty” exit the listen, where the former bops charmingly amid a bass solo you won’t soon forget, and “Misty” finishes the listen in a dreamy state, where Tempelaar, Sloniker and Van Nostrand put their inimitable stamp on the classic.
A scientist by day and a jazz club performer by night, Tempelaar shows much diversity and skill on this debut album, and, along with Sloniker and Van Nostrand, turns in a first rate debut that’s hopefully a precursor to much more song craft on the horizon.
Travels well with: Victor Gould- In Our Time; Lukasz Pawlik- Long-Distance Connections