Vol. 3
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The pianist and composer Dave Bass brings his diverse vision to these 12 tracks that embrace the American Songbook, jazz standards and Piazzolla tango, and welcome Kerry Kashiwagi, Scott Gordon and Barry Finnerty.
“As Long As There’s Music” opens the listen with Bass’ intricate and flowing keys alongside Gordon’s brushed drumming in the graceful climate, and “Criss Cross” follows with Kashiwagi’s acrobatic bass plucking that complements the swift piano of the energetic landscape.
Finnerty appears on 3 tracks, where he contributes spirited guitar and melody to the frisky “Agenbite Of Inwit”, a Bass original, while later on he’s present for the mesmerizing and dreamy album highlight, “Libertango”
Further on the back half, the intimate mood of “If You Could See Me Now” showcases the emotive piano from Bass alongside the gentle drumming, and “Another Ending” exits the listen with a rich and dynamic finish that blends the bass, guitar, drums and piano with a very harmonic appeal.
The standards present are reimagined with much creativity, and the originals are top notch and timeless jazz, as Bass and company make for a swingin’, soulful and exploratory listen.
Travels well with: Esthesis Quartet- TimeZones; Dewayne Pate- On The Upside