| Jazz |
On November 26, the audience had the privilege of attending the launch concert for this album at the renowned Lincoln Center, marking Bill O’Connell’s return to the trio format—his first since his debut album Searching in the late 1970s. Joined by longtime collaborators, bassist Santi Debriano and drummer Billy Hart, the album features mostly original compositions by O’Connell, alongside notable pieces such as Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage, a contribution by Santi Debriano, and selections by H. Ruby & B. Kalmar, as well as J. Baker, G. Fragos & D. Gasparre.
Bill O’Connell’s compositional style is dazzling, characterized by rhythmic depth and a warm aesthetic. Despite the intricate nature of the compositions and arrangements, the album remains remarkably accessible. In a city where jazz is both a passion and a tradition, O’Connell shines as a true “musician’s musician.” Renowned for his harmonic brilliance, the clarity of his phrasing, and evocative melodies, he plays with a depth that embodies the very essence of the album’s title, Touch. For pianists, “touch” refers to the nuance and mastery with which they engage with their instrument—a quality that O’Connell imbues into every track with exquisite finesse and emotional clarity.
The album evokes an atmosphere of ease and wonder. One is invited to sit back, listen, and be charmed by the harmonious interplay of the trio, whose synergy resonates widely and joyously. This vibrant music, with its uplifting energy, perfectly heralds the end of winter, bringing with it radiant glimpses of spring sunshine.
Bill O’Connell’s career in jazz spans more than four decades, beginning with Mongo Santamaria’s Latin jazz ensemble in 1977 and encompassing collaborations with legends such as Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, and Gato Barbieri. His previous studio album, A Change is Gonna Come, an emotional response to social unrest, was lauded by critics. In 2021, he earned a GRAMMYⓇ nomination for his Latin arrangement of Chopsticks on Richard Baratta’s Music in Film: The Reel Deal. With Touch, his seventeenth album as a leader, O’Connell once again proves his versatility, blending technical mastery with the exploratory spirit of an innovator in an intimate and dynamic trio format.
This is undoubtedly one of the finest trio albums I’ve ever encountered. Throughout Touch, O’Connell crafts a language uniquely his own—a style so distinctive it has undoubtedly contributed to his acclaim. The album offers nods to the artists he admires, most notably in his rendition of Three Little Words, which includes a touch of Monk—a tribute to his reverence for Thelonious Monk’s harmonic genius. “It took me time to truly hear Monk,” O’Connell reflects. “I started as a more lyrical player, but eventually, everyone is captivated by his harmonic mastery.”
Likewise, it takes time to fully appreciate the richness of this album. Its dense artistry delivers unrelenting pleasure from start to finish, earning its place among our collection of “Essential” albums.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, January 3rd 2025
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