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Michael Gallant Trio: Completely
ByPianist Michael Gallant is pushing into the latest phase in the change of the piano trio style by, in part, plugging in, and by injecting the grit and power of rock music rhythms and electric keyboards and no-holds-barred energy into the mix on Completely, the debut of his Michael Gallant Trio.
Opening with his original, "Greens," Gallant seasons the acoustic piano with his very versatile Nord Electro 3HP keyboard, to create a deeply soulful sound that would be right at home on a small stage in front of a crowded dance floor packed with sweating bodies. Drummer Chris Infusino supplies a powerhouse beat, and bassist Linda May Han Oh lays down a deep groove.
The energy level stays high on "Roundabout," then moves into a wistful and perhaps bittersweet mood on "Lightbulb," with Gallant's considerable acoustic piano chops on full display. A funky bounce and pop of Oh's electric bass introduces the only non-Gallant composition of the set, Pearl Jam's "Go." Gallant switches back and forth between electric and acoustic keyboards, with no overdubs, bringing a sizzling, swirling organ trio feel into the music.
"The Real Maria" swaggers down the sidewalk with a chip-on-her-shoulder, Brooklyn attitude, leading into the forthrightly beautiful opening of the title tune. Again, Gallant moves from acoustic to electric, elegance giving way to grunge and grit.
Completely is a superb debut by an artist unafraid and bending the tradition.
Track Listing
Greens; Roundabout; Lightbulb; Go; Cornelia Street Tango; Problem Withe the Game; The Real Maria; Completely; Love You Better; Candlelight.
Personnel
Michael Gallant
pianoMichael Gallant: acoustic and electric pianos; Linda Oh: acoustic and electric bass; Chris Infusino: drums.
Album information
Title: Completely | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced
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Michael Gallant Trio
CD/LP/Track Review
Michael Gallant
Dan McClenaghan
Self Produced
United States
New York
New York City
Linda Oh
Completely