Opening
Zugzwangbebop, 2023
8/10
On this first recording as leader, the pianist Chris Keefe brings along Harvie S. and Adam Nussbaum for standards and originals that take inspiration from legends like Wynton Kelly and Keith Jarrett.
“Got A Chick?” opens the listen with Nussbaum’s animated drumming complementing Keefe’s swift and meticulous piano playing in the timeless jazz setting, and “Modern” follows with a frisky mood that benefits much from Harvie S.’s bouncy bass work.
In the middle, the intimate “I Fall In Love Too Easily” showcases much emotion from Keefe’s piano, while “Just In Time” emits plenty of melody and warmth thanks to the dynamic rhythm section and unpredictable key progressions. The final track, “Dream”, is indeed dreamy, and allows for much beauty from Keefe’s playing, as the soft drums and subtle but effective bass make a lasting impression.
An excellent debut as leader, the originals present are just as memorable as the standards, as Keefe and company perform with a top notch interaction that’s focused and imaginative.
Travels well with: Melvin Smith- Perseverance; Hollywood Paul Litteral- Legacy