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Markus Burger / Joe LaBarbera / Bob Magnusson: Accidental Tourists: The L.A. Sessions
ByBurger's first recorded piano trio session reveals a player from pianist Bill Evans' art of the trio school. Like Evans, Burger has picked his sidemen well. Bassist Bob Magnussona hugely talented musician in the jazz and classical worldsis a veteran with a "worked-with-damned-near-everyone" resume, including his contributions to several of alto saxophonist Art Pepper's late career recordings. His big, powerful soundhuge notes with a slight fuzz of sustain in them seem to anticipate Burger's every move; and drummer Joe LaBarberaa member of pianist Bill Evans' late career trioadds the perfect subtle textures and detailed accents to the sound.
The set opens with Burger's "Grolnicks," for pianist/composer Don Grolnick (1947-1996). The tune has a light feeling, with a very pretty and memorable melody, and exquisite trio interplay in its wax and wane momentum.
Four of the twelve tunes are from Burger's pen, including the buoyant "Air Canada," the floating "Black Sea Pearl," and prickly snap-and-pop "Rodeo Drive Hustler." The first cover of the disc, George Gershwin's "I Loves You Porgy" is a highlight. It's often coveredby, among many others, pianists Bill Evans and Jessica Williamsand covered well. A small masterpiece of a tune, it has never sounded lovelier than it does here in the hands of this trio. Burger's unhurried, no-wasted-notes approach, Magnusson's thick foundation and LaBarbera's whispering brushes bring out a sense of sweet longing tinged with a bit of sadness.
Other covers include a light-stepping take on Jerome Kern's "In Love in Vain" and a delicate and brittle exploration of the Miles Davis/Bill Evans jewel, "Blue in Green." But in the end, with the exception of "I Loves You Porgy," it's the Burger tunes that grab the earinfectious, well-crafted compositions played by a stellar trio.
Track Listing
Grolnicks; Air Canada; Black Sea Pearl; Full Circle; I Loves You Porgy; Rodeo Drive Hustler; In Love In Vain; Inspektor Bauton; the Old Country; One World; Morning Smile.
Personnel
Markus Burger
pianoMarkus Burger: piano; Joe LaBarbera: drums; Bob Magnusson: bass.
Album information
Title: Accidental Tourists: The L.A. Sessions | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Challenge Records
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