Coming Down Roses
ATM, 2021
8/10
The Pennsylvania musician, arranger and educator Billy Test is in the company of Evan Gregor on bass and Ian Froman behind the drum kit here, as the trio offer both originals and covers with much attention to detail.
“All Of You” starts the listen with the trio interacting in playful, pretty ways that do justice to the Cole Porter tune, and “Spinning” follows with Test’s warm keys complementing the precise drumming from Froman in the gentle original.
Halfway through, “Hardly” moves with a swift pace of playful jazz that includes a fascinating drum solo, while “Empty Spaces” moves cautiously, where Test’s heartfelt approach pays tribute to his deceased father. The title track then showcases dynamic chemistry between the three, where each take their turns soloing with vast skill.
Moving towards the end, “Mother’s Day With Freud” glides with a bouncy, upbeat feel as the original explores the trio’s wild side, and “Belonging” exits the listen with sublime intimacy, as the mature piano and slow burning finish concludes the listen entirely too soon.
Test is also a member of Germany’s Grammy Winning WDR Big Band, and this debut as leader showcases his strong songwriting skill and timeless vision that should gain the young pianist many new fans.
Travels well with: Dave Stryker with the WDR Big Band and Bob Mintzer- Blue Soul; 2B3- Jimi