Jazz Philosophy: Jazz Philosophy

Jazz Philosophy is not the musical expression of the intellectual concept of Mahanaim Satya as to the direction jazz should take, it's meaning or anything so heavy. Rather it's the name of his group who join him to perform a mixed play list of Satya originals and existing material. The pianist also has another small group called the Rhythm Section with whom he regularly performs and records. A lot of activity for someone who stayed away from jazz for about 15 years before coming back in 1995.

Diversity characterizes Satya's original material. He is at ease working in a variety of styles, avoiding getting into a rut. There's a blues with a Latin beat with "Oohs (Blues for Gela)" which features the exuberant tenor of Kent Cohea laid on top of animated playing by the rhythm section led by Satya's piano. Pure unadulterated bop comes through the speaker on his "Be Bop Quick" and quick it is with an excess of the speed limit playing, once more bringing Cohea front and center. This piece comes across like a head arrangement where all players have a chance to express their ideas around the major theme. Satya turns modally inward with a fine interpretation of Miles Davis' memorable "Blue and Green". Not everything on this session is an instrumental. Cynthia Lewis drops in to vocalize on five numbers. In addition to a credible job on "Night and Day" and "My Funny Valentine", she does a haunting rendition of Chick Corea's "Crystal Silence"making this track one of the most absorbing on the CD.

This album lasts almost an hour and because of the attractiveness of the music and the way it's performed, makes the time go very fast. Visit the group's web page at http://www. jazzphilosophy.com.