Marc Cary: Trillium

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: April 1, 2000

From the moody modern mainstream, pianist Marc Cary’s trio moves deliberately with dramatic passion, then balances its program with swinging blues romps and lilting flute melodies. A powerful pianist who leans toward classical diversion, Cary grew up in the Washington, DC area, where creative music has always been well received. Once he moved to New York, the pianist received experience and an education through the "schools" of Arthur Taylor, Betty Carter, and Abbey Lincoln.

Cary performs Lincoln’s song "My Love is You" without accompaniment in a lyrical and expressive manner. His piano becomes a unique and individual voice, as the composer’s influence at that point is undeniable. Miles Davis’ "Little Willie Leaps" features Waits riding the brushes and Mateen walking the bass, as Cary provides the classic melody with a modern twist. Cary’s "Moment of Love" offers impressionism through its snake-like movements and harmonic depth. The pianist takes charge, phrasing as if he were singing, while drums surround him with a wall of sound and bassist moves the theme ever forward. Highly recommended, Cary’s fifth recording as leader features three of today’s most interesting jazz artists releasing new ideas while never losing sight of the tradition.

Track Listing: Minor League; Trillium; Blues for Haseeb; New Prospective; My Love is You; Peace Maker; Little Willie Leaps; Moment of Love; King Tut

Personnel: Marc Cary- piano; Tarus Mateen- acoustic bass; Nasheet Waits- drums, percussion; Yarbrough Charles Laws- flute on "Peace Maker," "King Tut

Record Label: Jazzateria
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream