Ray Gallon: Grand Company

Score one for truth in advertising. New York City-based pianist Ray Gallon is definitely in Grand Company on his first recording as the leader of a trio, ably chaperoned every step of the way by bassist Ron Carter and drummer Lewis Nash who are quite simply two of the best in the business (Hall of Fame caliber), and have been at the top of their game for many years.

That is not to imply that Gallon merely takes a back seat to the twin masters. Au contraire. While giving Carter and Nash free rein, Gallon shows time and again why he is among the more creative and talented pianists on the jazz scene. Fast, slow or medium, demonic or demure, Gallon takes everything in his stride (and could no doubt play decent stride if he had to)—in other words, he is at home in every framework, from ballads to blues to burners. He also wrote five sparkling original pieces, amplified by Duke Ellington's "Drop Me Off in Harlem," Miles Davis' "Nardis" and the standards "If I Had You" and "Old Folks."

Gallon based the animated "Acting Up" on "Lullaby of Broadway," the peppery "Pins and Needles" on the usually plaintive "Cry Me a River." His other compositions are "Zombette," "Two Track Mind" and the mischievous "Monkey Bars," wherein he skitters across the keyboard like a child on his first eye-popping trip to a playground. For his part, Nash is impressive with sticks (on five numbers), and even more so with brushes—in a class with Jeff Hamilton or the late Ed Thigpen. As for Carter, he is the next best thing to a metronome, and solos handsomely on several numbers, as does Nash. To ensure the best sound quality and clarity, the album was recorded at the Van Gelder Studio in Englewood, New Jersey. Nothing more need be said about that.

Of course, it is one thing to be clear, another to be meaningful and engaging. Happily, Gallon, Carter and Nash have those bases covered as well. This is a session that sparkles from start to finish. And so it should, considering the prodigious talents of its members. Gallon is never less than pleasing, nor is Carter or Nash. A congenial trio session that almost anyone can apprehend and appreciate.

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