Pianist Bruce Barth has long been one of my favorite musicians.  He's worked with a slew of great musicians, from James Moody to Branford Marsalis, Phil Woods to Andy Statman (his work on Statman's The Hidden Light is simply gorgeous.) In the early 1990's, Barth toured and recorded with trumpeter Terence Blanchard and his time with that ensemble became the impetus for his own solo career. He's a pianist who certainly has loads of technique yet rarely “shows off"--instead, his love of melody and harmonic inventions stands out among his contemporaries.

Over the past 2 decades, he's issued a number of recordings for many different labels. In 2001, Barth released “East and West“ (MaxJazz), a heady blend of trio cuts and larger ensemble works that ranks among his best recordings.

On Wednesday November 4, Barth unveils his latest project “The Western Suite“ at Steve Wilson and Adam Kolker (saxophones, clarinet.  Rounding out the septet will be Luis Bonilla (trombone), Vicente Archer (bass) and Rudy Royston (drums.) Barth has recorded this music as a solo piano work (see here) but this is its debut as a large ensemble piece.

It's one night and one night only so, if you're in the New York area, don't miss this special music. For ticket information, call 212-524-2500.  To learn more about the life and work of Bruce Barth, go to artgraphica.com.

Here's a taste of Barth from East and West:  A Joyful Noise (for JW) features Wilson (soprano sax), Stafford (trumpet), bassist Ugonna Okegwo} and drummer Al Foster. (Thanks to MaxJazz and IODA Promonet for the mp3.)