Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ted Rosenthal Trio: Impromptu

255

Ted Rosenthal Trio: Impromptu

By

Sign in to view read count
On Impromptu, pianist Ted Rosenthal modestly credits every track to the original classical composer on which the song is based. It's a nice, self-effacing touch, but probably unnecessary. No one will misconstrue this album as anything but a modern jazz recording—and a good one at that—even if Rosenthal is performing adaptations.

For the most part, the classical music themes are relatively easy to pick out against the jazz trio format, but they've been heavily adjusted for tempo and pacing, and include a lot of improvisation that classical devotees aren't necessarily used to hearing—especially since improvisation, a common thing to Mozart and Beethoven, has been almost banished from modern classical recital. Those who don't recognize the original versions won't be at any loss to enjoy the record; those familiar, on the other hand, should find an extra delight. Rosenthal's inventions are wonderful to hear, as they unfold longstanding performance standards.

Most scholars will agree that Franz Schubert did not employ a ride cymbal in his original chart for "Impromptu in G Flat," but maybe he should have. Drummer Quincy Davis taps over the top of the melody, giving it a little urge, even as he beats out a circular pattern on the toms with his left hand. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was a dramatic composer, but as far as anyone knows, even he never played the blues at the Carlyle Lounge (Richard Rodgers was the first one to have that gig), but on this disc, , "June" sounds like it could provide a bit of excitement to an evening of society doyennes on the Upper East Side. What about Johann Sebastian Bach opening a variation with a big fat bass line for an intro? Double-bassist Noriko Ueda plucks with a mighty thwack, pushing the pace hard through "Presto."

But maybe this kind of comparison is a trap. Over-thinking the classical music on which this album is based might lead to missing the musical forest for the trees. Regardless of the ultimate source of the music, Impromptu is a really fine jazz album. It swings, it's beautifully recorded, and the performances are top notch from everyone involved.

Track Listing

Ballade in G Minor; Nocturne in F minor; Impromptu in G Flat; June; Traumerei; Presto; O Mio Babbino Caro; Intermezzo in B Flat Minor; Fantasy in D minor; Theme from Symphony No. 5.

Personnel

Ted Rosenthal: piano; Noriko Ueda: double-bass; Quincy Davis: drums.

Album information

Title: Impromptu | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Playscape Recordings

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

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

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.