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Pete Malinverni: Heaven
ByMalinverni spent 18 years as the church musician at the Defore Street Baptist church in Brooklyn, New York, an experience that certainly immersed him in creation of music on a celestial scale. With Heaven he asks the question of the essence of the concept. Is Heaven a delayed reward for a righteous existence, or is it here, right now, in every human interaction, in every grain of sand? These are ruminations elicited perhaps by life events: the passing, in 2012, of the pianist/composer's beautiful and talented wife, vocalist Jody Sandhaus, and a reminder of his own mortality via a health scare in 2016.
Malinverni opens the set with Ellington-penned title tune, a bright, sassy , playful rollick-er that says Heaven is here on Earth. The pianist's original, "Psalm 23" explores solemnity and reverence. The African-American spiritual, "Down To The River to Pray" bubbles like clear water rolling over smooth, polished stones.
Heaven reveals Maliverni's seemingly effortless virtuosity combined with a heartfelt embrace of these tunes. Finding a kindred soul in Curtis Mayfield, Malinverni and his triobassist Ben Allison and drummer Akira Tanaswing with a fluid grace on Mayfield's "People Get Ready." On Ellington's "Come Sunday," trumpeter Jon Faddis joins the group. Muted, sounding a bit like Miles Davis from 1958, Faddis tells an extraordinarily poignant story with an eloquent, voice-like delivery, backed by the trio's subtle touch as they unfurl eight minutes of understated perfection.
Vocalist Karrin Allyson contributes beautifully on "Shenandoah," with a clear and forthright delivery on the time tested tune. Saxophonist Steve Wilson joins the trio on a modernized "Wade In The Water." The opening statement is crisp, leading into Maliverni's angular solo. Then Wilson and the pianist get into a quirky conversation that sounds like Thelonious Monk and Charlie Rouse in a loose mood.
Heaven presents a top level piano trio with well-incorporated guess slots in a beautiful examination of sacred sounds.
Track Listing
Heaven; Psalm 23; Down to the River to Pray; Shenandoah; Eili, Eili; People, Get Ready; Come Sunday; A City Called Heaven; Wade in the Water; Ashokan Farewell.
Personnel
Pete Malinverni
pianoPete Malinverni: piano; Ben Allison: bass; Akira Tana: drums. Guests: Karrin Allyson: vocals; Jon Faddis: trumpet; Steve Wilson: alto saxophone.
Album information
Title: Heaven | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Saranac
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