Jahari Stampley: Still Listening

Chicago-based pianist Jahari Stampley is a definite prodigy. Raised in a musical family, Stampley, like his mother, also composes and plays other instruments. His debut Still Listening is a mix of four solo and five ensemble tracks, all his originals, which also showcase his leadership skills.

The unaccompanied pieces are gems of musical virtuosity. "Evanescent," for example, is a bittersweet ballad with Americana motifs. Stampley's simultaneously effervescent and melancholic chords hint at times at folk and at other country influences while remaining steeped in the blues. His layered pianism captivates and mesmerizes with its subtlety. There are no unnecessary pyrotechnics here, just quiet introspection.

On the intense and orchestral "Replay," Stampley alternates between keyboards and synths while saxophonist Stefan Haerle and trumpeter Stéphane clement form the riotous frontline. Clement blows gritty lines punctuating the energetic main theme while Haerle's reverberating tenor saxophone adds a touch of swagger to the tune. Stampley's cool cascading notes flow with lithe elegance amid the energetic refrains which drummer Jongkuk Kim propels.

On the enchanting "Quite Just Like You" Stampley, doubling on bass, mirrors bassist Adam Brown. Thus the two men create a deeply reverberant sonic backdrop. Vocalist Alysha Monique sings the emotive lyrics with intimate warmth. Stampley lets loose an agile soliloquy filled with breathtaking arpeggios while drummer Miguel Marcel Russell matches the leader's percussive cadence with his polyrhythms.

In addition to bass and keyboards Stampley also adds drums to his repertoire on "Power," a trio performance with saxophonist Emilio Modeste and drummer Jeremiah Collier. Stampley sets a dramatic atmosphere around Modeste's acerbic serpentine lines. Collier adds another "heartbeat" to the song with his thunderous beats. Stampley's resonant phrases glow with indigo hues as he takes center stage with his lyrical piano.

This recording is an auspicious start to a promising career from an immensely talented young artist. The mix of styles on the album may impair thematic unity but it does keep things interesting. The music world will all be listening for more to come from Jahari Stampley.

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