Gonzalo Rubalcaba/Avatar (Blue Note) ***1/2:
The Cuban pianist has ventured into a variety of stylistic realms both contemporary and traditional during the course of his career, but he sounds as if he has found his niche here for himself and his band as well. The latter front is particularly noteworthy, since the bulk of the material on this new York recorded album was contributed by Rubalcaba accompanists; he chips in one tune himself, but it’s all of a piece, sounding fresh and vigorous from start to finish.
.jpg)
Scott Hamilton& Friends/Across the Tracks (Concord Jazz), ***1/2:
The best jazz oftentimes springs from the very conventions that once gave birth to the new art form and Scott Hamilton’s latest carries that very sensation. A cast of well-schooled accompanists who relish Hamilton’s approach in this decidedly old-school realm include guitarist Duke Robillard and organist Gene Ludvig, but they’re only the most obvious contributors to a cd that functions equally well as an introduction to the fundamental of jazz and a reminder to the long-time fan why it’s worth the love.
Yitshak Yedid Trio/Suite in Five Movements (Challenge Records)***1/2:
Abstract in its unusual compositional conception and instrumental lineup, this disc nevertheless retains the intimate atmosphere of a good jazz club. That’s due in no small measure to presence of the leader on piano, but it’s also a fact the group swings and they do it in such subtle fashion, moving in and out of (comparatively strong) rhythmic intervals, that hearing this disc in its entirety stimulates mind and body.
.jpg)
Hiromi /Beyond Standard (Telarc)***:
Dave Fiuczynski’s presence makes this cd worth hearing as his skewed guitar logic inserts jagged fragments of melody and rhythm into Hiromi‘s music and shatters its patina of mere pleasantry. The woman’s facile skill at the piano, especially as it’s present on this program of standards, is in direct contrast to Fuze’s idiosyncratic approach, so much so the juxtaposition of the two approaches may alienate those who dote on the accessible but alternately engage musiclovers who thrive on the contrast.
.jpg)
Portinho Trio /Vinho do Porto (Manchester Craftsman’s Guild)***:
Though this cd doesn’t sound particularly distinctive on initial hearing– merely a pleasantly rendered set of Brazilian flavored traditional jazz– a close hearing reveals how nuances appear as Portinho’s rhythmic sense insinuates itself into the way his trio play. That collective vigor includes the alternately balmy and brisk sounds of guest trombonist Jay Ashby on songs ranging from Duke Ellington Wayne Shorter and Hermeto Pascoal all of which adds up to one enlivened –and enlivening–jazz outing.
