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Art Hirahara: Libations & Meditations
ByAs the program continues, Hirahara and his trio mates continue to work with good cheer. "D.A.Y." opens with a swampy groove from Davis and a hint of mystery in Hirahara's fingers, but it's off to the races when Davis and Oh open up their stride and let the swing feel take hold. Davis proves to be the star on this piece, stealing the show when he solos and steering the band back into line. Bill Evans' "Only Child" proves to be another winner. It's a fine example of tripartite synergy, highlighting the connections between Oh's springy bass, Davis' brush work, independence, and stick-on-ride play, and Hirahara's firm pianistic direction(s).
Those waiting for overly reflective moments will find few on this album. In fact, "Dead Man Posed," a number that delivers peace and tranquility in swelling and receding fashion, is it. The album-ending "Nereids And Naiads" is a ruminative and soul-searching number in five that builds into something bolder; "Big Country" develops with thoughtfulness and optimism, though it's hardly calm; and "The Looking Glass" leaves Hirahara to work out his thoughts, which are not sentimental, by himself. The message in the music seems to be that we all need to eventually look beyond the grief and pain. Loved ones are never really gone, as those that remain continue to carry them forward through stories, deeds, memories, and, in this case, music.
Track Listing
With Two Ice Cubes; Father's Song; Be Bim Bop; D.A.Y.; Karatachi No Hana; Only Child; Dead Man Posed; Big Country; The Looking Glass; Bop Bim Be; Nereids And Naiads.
Personnel
Art Hirahara
pianoArt Hirahara: piano; Linda Oh: bass; John Davis: drums.
Album information
Title: Libations & Meditations | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records
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