Jazz Articles
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Billy Lester: High Standards
by Richard J Salvucci
This is a very difficult recording to evaluate. If Billy Lester is living in Italy, the Italians are lucky. Someone has to be beyond sophisticated to pull off what Lester has done. He has, in essence, taken the GAS (Great American Songbook) and, with perhaps one exception, has improvised to the chord changes over the tunes. Imaginatively. Very imaginatively. Unfortunately, it really takes a pretty deep knowledge of music theory to appreciate what Lester has done. But if you have ...
Continue ReadingThe Billy Lester Trio: High Standards
by Pierre Giroux
With The Billy Lester Trio pianist Billy Lester offers a thrilling new chapter in his decades-long exploration of melodic abstraction and rhythmic vitality. Joined by bassist Marcello Testa and drummer Nicola Stranieri, Lester delivers a set that is as spontaneous, virtuosic, and inventive as any in his discography. For those unfamiliar with his music, this album serves as a perfect introduction, capturing the magic of his off-the-cuff ingenuity while reaffirming his singular voice in the jazz piano tradition. ...
Continue ReadingBilly Lester Trio: High Standards
by Jack Bowers
Pianist Billy Lester's album High Standards, recorded in 2017 in Italy, encompasses Lester's singular versions of eight memorable standards from the Great American Songbook. Although Lester plays sublimely, and his Italian rhythm section is first-class, the lingering impression is that something is missing. Yes, something is clearly missing...but what could it be? Lester's technique is impeccable, his improvisations sharp and clever, while the rhythm section (bassist Marcello Testa, drummer Nicola Stranieri) is focused and alert, lending strong ...
Continue ReadingThe Billy Lester Trio: Italy 2016
by Dan McClenaghan
Piano trios jazz can charm or seduce, and occasionally mesmerize. In modern times, they can also rock the house, but they seldom jump out of the speakers at you with joy. The Billy Lester Trio, Italy 2016, does just that. The initial impression of pianist Lester's influences--as the opener “An Evening With Friends" plays--is Bud Powell. The music has a bounce and ebullience, a joy of life that was essential to Powell's artistry. Further listening and the Lenny Tristano tint ...
Continue ReadingKristian Borring: Nausicaa
by Bruce Lindsay
Nausicaa is the debut album from London-based Danish guitarist Kristian Borring. It's an assured and confident debut, demonstrating Borring's talents as a composer and player. There are some complex time signatures on display, but they're never overdone and the music remains accessible from the get-go. Borring studied guitar in Holland and in London, gaining a Masters degree from the Guildhall School of Music in 2006. Since then, he's worked with a diverse range of European jazz musicians ...
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