Matt Peterson: Better Worlds

Chicago pianist Matt Peterson is a versatile artist who defies genres. He is both an accomplished, bop-based improviser as well as a sensitive interpreter of the Western classical tradition. Both elements of his style come together on the exuberant and captivating Better Worlds, a collection of 10 of his originals as well as a unique arrangement of The Beatles' "Blackbird."

One of the highlights of the uniformly superb album is "Petrichor," which opens with Peterson's smoldering chords that bassist Kitt Lyles echoes. Drummer Gustavo Cortiñas contributes a swaggering cadence as guitarist Erik Skov states the main theme. Skov, then, eloquently and with emotion, embellishes the lively melody. Peterson takes a simmering, angular extemporization with nods to chamber music. before the quartet closes the tune with percolating vamps.

As the recording progresses, Peterson increasingly exhibits his Western classical chops. "Hiraeth," for instance, is an introspective sonata that he plays, mostly unaccompanied. Intricately layered, it shimmers with understated romanticism and showcases his virtuosic pianism. Briefly the bass and drums duo punctuate the pastel hues with bursts of vibrant colors.

On a few of the tracks saxophonist Artie Black and trumpeter Victor Garcia join Peterson. The latter sets the intriguing mood of the "Language of the Unheard" with his cascading notes. Black blows with lyricism, enhancing the mystique of the atmosphere. Cortinas lays down a rumbling backdrop for the group and Lyles deftly adds delightfully dark tones to the performance.

Meanwhile the "100 Pound Football League" opens with a cinematic ambiance and features both Black and Garcia on the frontline. Garcia marks his turn in the spotlight with blues-drenched and burnished tones while Black's is cooler and more laid back. Peterson maintains the intrigue with his crisp and resonant keys, and he lets loose agile and lithe refrains leading the group for an up-tempo and exuberant conclusion.

With Better Worlds Peterson demonstrates his multiple skills as a composer, band leader, and pianist. His ensemble, with their seamless camaraderie, highlight his sophisticated approach to writing and underscore the opportunities for exciting spontaneity within each piece. This recording is another addition to an already brilliant career.