| Jazz |
A wonderful discovery for me, this album, as I love both the complexity of the compositions and the atmosphere that emerges from it. Certain composers, like Erik Satie, symbolize the starting point of musicians who go straight to the essential, who are genuine, giving from the outset the very essence of their art. Here, it unfolds on three different levels: the quality of the compositions, the arrangements, and the interpretation, which exudes the artist’s passion for his instrument.
Bryn Roberts is not an unknown name; he already has quite a few albums to his credit, but this is the first album from his trio—a real success. Roberts met bassist Matt Penman during one of the early informal sessions he attended after moving to New York. Penman has toured and recorded with bands led by Kurt Rosenwinkel, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman, and John Scofield, and he was also a member of the SF Jazz Collective for many years. On _Aloft_, he brings his beautiful sound, agile accompaniment, and excellent timing. Drummer Quincy Davis and Roberts found themselves playing in a quartet led by saxophonist Jon Gordon and recorded an album in Rudy Van Gelder’s legendary studio. Davis has also played with numerous jazz greats such as Tom Harrell, Steve Nelson, Aaron Diehl, and Gretchen Parlato. An expert in shaping new compositions, Davis brings to _Aloft_ his propulsive sense of swing and fiery inspiration.
Certainly, there are notable references here, but they should not overshadow this composer’s very personal style. _Aloft_ was recorded in Brooklyn, where Roberts lived for fifteen years, and it reflects long-standing working relationships and friendships with other musicians. This album includes Roberts’ version of two standards: a relaxed walking bass ballad of Kurt Weill’s _My Ship_ and a contemporary interpretation of Cole Porter’s _You Do Something to Me_. These two additions blend perfectly with Roberts’ own compositions. In the end, this album, with only seven tracks, seems quite short because you easily get drawn into its universe, a sign of how compelling it is—I left it playing on repeat on the CD player, especially as the introduction of the first track is so well-written that it traps you, to your delight, into the continuity of the album. This is where the true talent of this composer shines through, with a real vision of his art, making it unique. The trio format is delicate, and here we appreciate the individual value of each of the artists: Bryn Roberts on piano, Matt Penman on bass, Quincy Davis on drums. Each is far more than complementary in this wonderful exercise, and it’s easy to see why Roberts feels so familiar when you delve into his biography.
“Roberts is a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Nonet led by Alan Ferber, and has recorded a series of critically acclaimed releases with this group: _Scenes from an Exit Row_, _The Compass_, _Chamber Songs_, and _Roots and Transitions_. He also plays in the quartet of saxophonist Jon Gordon (whose 2019 album _Answer_ was recorded at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder Studio) and with groups led by bassist Chuck Israels. In addition to his work in jazz and improvised music, Roberts has played and toured with numerous artists from the singer-songwriter world, including Grammy Award winners Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal, Shawn Colvin, Stax Records legend William Bell, and folk icon Dar Williams.”
This artist resonates with us in his choices, and Shawn Colvin is an artist we’ve always supported on Bayou Blue Radio. However, what makes this album one of our “Essentials” is, above all, the recognition of the quality of its musical writing and arrangements.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, September 9th 2024
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