Bells… Now And Then
Modica, 2023
8/10
Don Thompson brings his piano, bass and vibraphone to Rob Piltch’s guitars for these 2 new tracks, while the rest are reissued from their 1982 album, Bells, which illustrates their dynamic chemistry.
The profound beauty of “Circles” opens the listen with Piltch’s intimate guitar alongside warm keys, and “Caribe” follows with a quicker pace of playful guitar that’s paired with Thompson’s calm bass.
Into the middle, “Stratford Stomp” is a swift delivery of meticulous guitar progressions amid the adventurous keys, while “Bells” focuses much on Thompson’s piano playing via the mature climate.
Deeper into the listen, “Suite” unfolds across 5 segments of glowing bass, intimate keys, dreamy guitar waves and much introspection, and “11 Days Gone By” exits with a calm demeanor of minimal song craft that’s stirring, soothing and memorable.
Thompson and Piltch are among Canadian’s finest in the area of jazz, and their collaborative appeal certainly has and will continue to age well.
Travels well with: Roberto Occhipinti- The Next Step; Dave Young Quartet- Ides Of March