James Austin Jr. Trio at Klavierhaus

James Austin Jr. Trio
Klavierhaus
Piano Jazz Series
New York, NY
October 8, 2024

Klavierhaus, as part of its ongoing "Piano Jazz Series" of performances, on October 8th welcomed James Austin, Jr. Trio to its stage and showroom, located on the far western edge of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen.

Austin, an acolyte of famed jazz pianist and educator Barry Harris, is also a lifelong Stevie Wonder fan. He even went into the studio to record a jazz record of Wonder tunes—2019's Songs in the Key of Wonder, focused on the pop legend's especially fertile mid-1970s period. While Austin's interpretations of "My Cherie Amour" and other Wonder songs in the pop canon hewed rather closely to the source material, eschewing the adventurously abstract, impressionistic approaches to rock/pop of, say, BAD or Brad Mehldau, the audience was engaged and appreciative.

The rhythm section—bassist Mike Karn and drummer Kayvon Gordon—was outstanding, especially Karn who, in numerous lengthy and risky solos, mined subtle melodic and harmonic veins within the compositions. Gordon contributed sturdy playing that was propulsive and complex, but not intrusive, and the trio coalesced nicely in articulating Austin's vision and sensibility. Austin himself, who placed second in the 2006 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Piano Competition, brought a modest and winning persona to the occasion.

Austin's setlist included stalwarts from the Great American Songbook, including "I Remember April" and "What Is This Think Called Love?," among others. A committed jazz educator, Austin nodded to some of the music's greats; to a compelling reading of a Bud Powell composition, Austin appended useful context, as he explained the near-paradigm shift that Powell effected in jazz piano and his profound influence on players since. Moving freely across the keyboard, he displayed a deft and light touch, with full, richly colored chords and a measured, controlled approach. One could discern gospel-tinged shadings reminiscent of Cyrus Chestnut and, perhaps, Mulgrew Miller in his playing (Austin learned to play in church).

Klavierhaus also hosts an intimate "Salon Concerts" series showcasing new or under-recognized jazz musicians, with weekly performances currently scheduled through mid-2025.