Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ron Stabinsky: Free for One
Ron Stabinsky: Free for One
ByFree for One is comprised of eight piano improvisations which Stabinsky recorded in a one-day session in 2015, and where he let his intuition guide the proceedings. Under the one-time mentorship of Bill Dixon, the pianist's journey to this release has been a patient process of developing methodological and creative skills over a decade. The first two tracks, "After it's Over" and "31" are predominantly abstract with occasional fragments of a melody helping to maintain the flow. There are classical influences present among the intangible sway of rapid notes on "Viral Inflection." "Not Long Now/Long Now," at almost thirteen minutes in length, is the most consistently harmonious track. A jagged opening meets with gracefully ringing chords over a moderately walking pulse. "Once, But Again" gently closes the album with controlled improvisation, shimmering, building up and then floating off.
With its shrewd use of melody, improvisation and texture, Free for One presents a credible alternative to much of the archetypal solo jazz piano catalog. For all of Stabinsky's technical expertise, there is never a sense of these pieces being exercise-like as the pianist avidly projects emotion even in the album's most abstract pieces. The stylistic variety of the improvisations holds together consistently and Stabinsky's debut proves to be impressive and memorable.
Track Listing
...After It's Over; 31; Viral Infection; Gone Song; For Reel; Not Long Now/Long Now; Rapture; Once, But Again.
Personnel
Ron Stabinsky
pianoRon Stabinsky: piano.
Album information
Title: Free for One | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Hot Cup Records
< Previous
Dedication To Sylvia Rexach
Next >
Black Orpheus