Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Gilad Barkan: Modulation

138

Gilad Barkan: Modulation

By

Sign in to view read count
Gilad Barkan: Modulation
Consider the gazillion jazz piano trio recordings available to the unsuspecting public and the time and effort it takes to breakthrough as a major pianist/composer. My first listen to the debut recording by this Bostonian (by way of Israel) made me think very much of the Keith Jarrett Standards Trio per the intensity and interaction of the three players. So, my first impression was dazzlement by the playing and compositions of Barkan and Company.

I crept up to my changer for a second, more objective, analysis. Barkan wrote all but four of the eleven tunes here, and what's even more impressive is that the four well-chosen standards/jazz standards are at the same level as his own compositions. This is neither minimalist, commercial, nor avant-garde piano jazz. While the respective melodies are attractive lines, the performances demand your attention. The opening tune, "Paul's Groove," is typical, with a swinging trio presentation. It's easy to become mesmerized by Barkan's technique and his interaction with Dan Greenspan's bass and Harvey Wirht's drums. Other noteworthy tunes include "Amaravati Davi is Getting Married" (which refers to his mother), the lilting "Brazilian Suite #2" and the closing ballad "This is Love."

In choosing two modern jazz standards — Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance" and Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby" — Barkan doesn't so much channel either of these two modal piano giants as offer fresh and articulate versions of their compositions. "All My Tomorrows," the Sinatra classic written by Jimmy Van Heusen for the film The Joker is Wild, also shows Barkan's sensitivity for the Great American Songbook. Juan Tizol's "Caravan" would not normally seem to belong in this collection. However, Barkan takes the old warhorse out for a polyrhythmic ride in spirited conversations with Greenspan and Wirht.

Based upon first and second impressions, I'm placing this recording amongst some pretty significant trio recordings, like the early Bill Evans Trio, early '60s Denny Zeitlin, and perhaps the emergence of Brad Mehldau in the last decade. Gilad Barkan is also a member of the Boston-based Issi Rozen Quartet and that Wirht is the drummer for the Either/Orchestra, a long-standing musical aggregation.

'Scuse me while I play this one again!

Track Listing

Paul's Groove, Brazilian Suite #2, Modulation, All My Tomorrows, Affection, Amaravati Devi is Getting Married, Dolphin Dance, Waltz for Debby, Carnaval, Caravan, This is Love

Personnel

Gilad Barkan--piano; Dan Greespan--bass; Harvey Wirht--drums

Album information

Title: Modulation | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: New Step Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.