Frank Kimbrough: Play (2006)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: June 21, 2006

With this program of modern mainstream originals, pianist Frank Kimbrough embarks on a journey that emphasizes layers of lush harmony and ethereal impressions. While meter plays an important role on Play, Kimbrough's trio finds that it can express just as well with or without this tool; the pianist's swirling keyboard attacks ebb and flow dynamically.

Bassist Masa Kamaguchi and drummer Paul Motian share equally in this creative journey, lending lustrous textures that ooze freely alongside the pianist's lyric impressions. Jimmy G, in honor of Jimmy Giuffre, drifts slowly in three, applying a relaxed blues hue to the performance. "The Spins, a quirky dedication to Steve Lacy, drives up-tempo with animation. "Beginning and "Beginning 2 both come with slow, moody impressions that recall the classic Bill Evans Trio.

"Regeneration, composed just nine days after September 11, 2001, provides an uplifting feeling of hope. Here, Kimbrough's piano cries out in search of answers. His lyrical approach turns toward that side of us that understands starting over and finding the strength to build. Motian's two compositions, "Play and "Conception Vessel, eschew meter in favor of an ethereal quality that lifts the trio on clouds of soft cotton.

Little Big Man, written with some humor in mind, drives pleasantly through a quirky scenario that lives for its freedom. It's obvious that Kimbrough and his musical partners enjoyed putting this program together. As we share this satisfying music with them, we're able to feel the same kind of energy and spontaneity.

Track Listing: Beginning; The Spins; Lucent; Waiting in Santander; Conception Vessel; Jimmy G; Play; Regeneration; Little Big Man; Beginning 2.

Personnel: Frank Kimbrough: piano; Masa Kamaguchi: bass; Paul Motian: drums.

Record Label: Palmetto Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream