Alan Broadbent, piano; Brian Bromberg, bass; Joe Labarbera, drums
New Zealander Alan Broadbent is best known for arranging big band charts, but here he shows just what a Jazz piano trio should sound like. Backed by the eloquent speaking bass of Brian Bromberg and the complimentary drumming of Joe Labarbera all three fuse gracefully into an outstanding set. Starting with "You and the Night and the Music", we know we are in for a treat; his piano playing breathes and flows with stylistic freedom. Through Harry Warren's "I Wish I Knew", C. Edwards's "With the Wind and the Rain in Her Hair", and slower pieces "Baubles, Bangles and Beads, followed by "Ceora". The seven tracks are all fairly long, giving Broadbent time to stretch and improvise with a masterful skill. "What's New", an eight minute piece opens with a powerfully spoken cadenza, lasting just over a minute, before we are taken on a colorful mood-enhanced journey which has a surprise waiting for us in the last minute. "Improvisation on the piano is the true essence of Jazz," says Broadbent. His music is lyrical and beautiful; classy, alive and always imaginative; this is piano trio playing of the highest caliber. Should not be missed.
by Ferdinand Maylin
Copyright Jazz Now, April 2004 issue, all rights reserved
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