CraigP Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 (edited) Achim Kaufmann, Verivyr Pirouet Achim Kaufmann – Piano Valdi Kolli – Bass Jim Black - Drums Achim Kaufmann should be considered in the top rank of jazz pianists, but his albums don't seem to get as much attention as they deserve. I first became aware of him with the release of Double Exposure (Leo) with Michael Moore and John Hollenbeck, and his album Starmelodics (Nuscope) with Mark Dresser and Harris Eisenstadt is a little gem. Verivyr got a 5 star review on Stef's blog, and it's hard to quibble with the rating. It has the perfect blend of abstraction and beautifully melodic playing that is unique to Kaufmann. Jim Black has been a great engine for Satoko Fujii's trio, and he's equally magnificent here, giving just the right amount of coloration and drive. I wasn't familiar with Valdi Kolli, but he proves to be an adept partner, interacting as an equal. Julio Resende Trio, You Taste Like A Song Clean Feed Julio Resende – Piano Ole Morten Vagan – Bass Joel Silva - Drums Joao Custodio – Bass on Track 8 Bruno Pedroso – Drums on Track 3 This record caught me off guard; it's tender and lyrical and touching without lapsing into sentimentality. It has relatively straightforward melodies, rhythms, harmonies - everything I usually hate! But You Taste Like A Song really moved me. It’s almost become a cliché for jazz pianists to include a Radiohead song, and I rolled my eyes when I saw Resende had done the same. But he takes Airbag, a song I’m not familiar with, and crafts a beautiful reverie. Later in the set he tackles a John Mayer tune with equally good results. Song is lyrical but not easy listening. Resende throws in some curveballs to keep it interesting, like playing inside the piano or chopping up the rhythms when he improvises Listening to this reminded me of those times when you were a kid lying on the side of a hill, looking up at the clouds going by, trying to grasp the universe and your place in it. It's a beautiful listening experience. FYI: This is my first post to Organissimo after several years on Speakeasy. Looking forward to being a part of your community. www.improvisedblog.blogspot.com Edited January 25, 2012 by CraigP Quote
Rooster_Ties Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Both sound very interesting on paper (and I'm a sucker for jazz Radiohead covers). Welcome to the board!! Quote
jlhoots Posted January 25, 2012 Report Posted January 25, 2012 Very nice 1st post. Welcome for sure. Quote
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