| Jazz |
The uniqueness of European jazz is that almost all the artists have attended music conservatories to study classical music. Some great jazz pianists, like Matyas Gayer, are clearly very inspired by composers such as Chopin and Franz Liszt, which naturally influences their compositions. Nevertheless, this is undoubtedly a jazz album. The Hungarian pianist Matyas Gayer, based in London and multiple award-winner, is one of the most influential voices of a new generation of musicians forging their own style inspired by the tradition of jazz piano. Twice a finalist at the Montreux Jazz Piano Competition, he collaborates with London jazz legends Steve Brown and Dave Green to pay musical homage to the city they call home.
Although Matyas is a young pianist, he has already shared the stage with numerous artists including Jesse Davis, Jim Rotondi, Grant Stewart, Luis Bonilla, Don Menza, Dusko Goykovich, John Fedchock, Stjepko Gut, Pete McGuinness, and has performed in many countries including England, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, Slovakia, Macedonia, Latvia, Austria, and at their best-known jazz venues: (Porgy and Bess, Jazzland, Konzerthaus Vienna, Jazzkeller Frankfurt, Unterfahrt München, Jazz Dock Prague, Birds Eye Basel, Jamboree Barcelona, Club 606 London, Vortex London, Glasgow Art Club, Edinburgh Jazz Club, KKL Luzern, etc.).
A little story that will surely make you smile: Dave Green, the bassist, started by playing with Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, and quickly went on to play with Sonny Rollins, Ben Webster, and Ronnie Scott. He is already a seasoned musician, and with this album “Westbourne Park,” he offers something very surprising with the uniqueness of the compositions, where at times you will hear references to some other well-known jazz titles in the most classical parts. You really need to listen to this album many times to uncover its secrets, as it can also be listened to as background music, but in that case, you will only feel the melodic parts without the beautiful, subtle musical arrangements. Steve Brown is one of the most sought-after jazz drummers in the UK. Since his studies in New York in the early 90s, he has played and toured with artists such as Benny Golson and Barry Harris and is a longtime member of saxophonist Scott Hamilton’s band.
The tradition of jazz is indeed present, the acoustic configuration ensures that this album will age well. Certainly, the structure of this album might seem disconcerting, but I have never heard of artists blending styles so well with such a crazy and perhaps nostalgic charm of rhythms and melodies that sometimes seem to be from another era.
From my point of view, this album is as “essential” as it is discreet, a real curiosity with crazy charm!
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, July 29th 2024
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Line-up:
– Matyas Gayer | Piano
– Dave Green | Bass
– Steve Brown | Drums
Tracklisting:
- Yesterdays
- On Green Dolphin Street
- Homage To Cedar
- Mr Harris
- Westbourne Park
- Valse en mi mineur
- Gilemma
- Solitude
- Canazei
- That’s All