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Phil Markowitz: Catalysis
ByOver the course of eight original compositions, Markowitz leans towards a cerebral, impressionistic style that contrasts with another undervalued pianist, Marc Copland, in his ability to burn harder and with greater extroversion when necessaryanother reason why he works so well with Liebman. With bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Adam Nussbaum onboardtwo more players who've racked up countless sessions and tours, yet remain mysteriously lesser knownMarkowitz has a flexible trio capable of navigating "Undercurrents," which references its title by fluidly traversing a broad range of styles while demonstrating an organic ebb and flow. Complex, yet never for its own sake, the song's transitions are so seamless as to be nearly invisible, with Nussbaum crossing over from mid-tempo swing to high velocity turbulence, near-funk and shuffle, only to return to ambling swing as Markowitz's lengthy head opens up. Markowitz's solo evolves over a similarly shifting landscape anchored by Anderson, its constant twists and turns as seemingly unpredictable as the undercurrents to which it references; though the trio's effortless movements make clear that this is anything but unplanned.
"Waiting," Catalysis' other lengthy track at nearly 12 minutes, demonstrates Markowitz's ability to go long without ever overstaying his welcome. A solo piano opening treads the line between ethereal abstraction and a dramatic introduction of the theme and ambience of the piece; but when Anderson and Nussbaum enter after Markowitz's intro fades to black, it becomes a lyrical but harmonically dark ballad that moves in and out of time. Markowitz shares the melody with Anderson, whose solo is one of economical perfection.
Catalysis may be categorized as a mainstream disc, and its roots in the tradition are clearalbeit in the broadest possible terms. Still, when Markowitz, Anderson and Nussbaum pack what they do into the fiery and acutely interactive title track, any beliefs that mainstream need inherently suggest safe, predictable or unchallenging are quickly forgotten. Markowitz and his constantly risk-taking triocapable of keeping the interplay at an empathic level while navigating his demanding yet compelling chartsmake Catalysis a sure contender for one of the year's best, piano trio or otherwise.
Track Listing
M.D.A.; For the Sake of
Personnel
Phil Markowitz
pianoPhil Markowitz: piano; Jay Anderson: bass; Adam Nussbaum: drums.
Album information
Title: Catalysis | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records
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