* contemporaryfusionreviews jeremybacontrio spontaneous jazz piano * Jeremy Bacon Trio – CAGE FREE-FREE RANGE: I am always attracted to well-played jazz piano, in part because I played keyboards myself for some years… not nearly as polished as Jeremy’s great work, of course… the “proof’s in the pudding” as they say… just listen to the masterful keyboard runs from Jeremy (think Herbie Hancock and/or Bud Powell), beguiling bass from Thomson Kneeland and crisp drum work by Shawn Balthazor on the wonderful and uplifting “Ladybird“… their rhythm changes are superb,too; this is one of my favorite keyboard compositions (yet) for 2017 (and that’s really saying something, since I listen to so many each day).
The real keyword for the distinctive style Jeremy plays those boards with is “spontaneous”, no doubt… he grew up in a jazz family, and the many long hours he spent listening and absorbing that atmosphere are fully evident on pieces like the lively “My Shining Hour“… lots of jazz pianists try and play at this level, but few achieve the kind of full-bodied and high-energy perfection the trio demonstrates on this song… DJ’s, this is one you’ll want to spin – GUARANTEED. I didn’t realize it, but this is Jeremy’s third release as a leader… splendid, splendid – classic modern jazz!
Jeremy’s “paid his dues”, having played ’round the globe (two extended tours in Japan) and in many venues around New York City (Birdland, Smalls & the Blue Note, just to name a few). The 4:51 opener alone, “Goodnight Moon“, makes the purchase of the album well worth it… +, this is one you’ll want for your collection, I’ve no doubt… the “mesh” of the players with Jeremy’s piano is priceless and done with the kind of precision only professionals can pull off.
To say I’m “impressed” with his fluid keyboard style would be understatement, no doubt… as you listen to my personal favorite tune on the album (and also the longest), “The Last Island“, you’ll realize that this is a jazz listener’s dream come true… beautiful piano intro, then just after the one-minute mark, the rest of trio kicks up the pace & they all rock the house… just exactly the kind of jazz I was weaned on back in the late 1960’s (in many of the same venues Jeremy has played in). Highly impressive jazz that easily merits my MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99. Learn more about this highly talented jazz player on Jeremy’s All About Jazz page.
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