Geoffrey Keezer: Live at Birdland

Pianist Geoffrey Keezer's 2024 release, Live At Birdland, is his first live trio recording in more than 15 years. Accompanied by those rhythmic stalwarts, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Clarence Penn, the group gives a tutorial in the art of the jazz trio filled with unparalleled intimacy and dynamism. In constructing the track list, Keezer wanted to acknowledge the contribution of his heroes, Wayne Shorter and Chick Corea, to his music and his career. Accordingly, three compositions from each are featured in this session, with the trio breathing new life into these compositions.

The opener from Corea is entitled "High Wire-The Aerialist." Filled with an adventurous spirit, Keezer develops the quickly shifting phases with muscular proficiency as Patitucci and Penn show they are a rhythmically advanced combination. The first Shorter composition is "Flagships," which the saxophonist originally wrote in a concerto-like form for soprano sax and synth. Keezer approaches the number with his usual high standard of artistry and commanding force. As he controls the musical narrative, Keezer's chart builds in space for Patitucci to deliver a controlled electric bass voice.

"Eternal Child" is from the Chick Corea Elektric Band 1988 release on GRP Records entitled Eye Of The Beholder. Opening with Patitucci's polished arco bass playing, Keezer weaves the composition's texture into a lyrical imperative until Patitucci returns with a bold, deep-toned bass solo leading to Keezer's bright and assertive close-out of the number. The first of Keezer's compositions is " Song Of The Canopy," which he wrote at 23, when he was a member of Art Farmer's band. Like his heroes, Keezer's compositional style is vigorous and robust, providing a frame for an inexhaustible stream of ideas and harmonic patterns executed with intelligence and imagination. "Dance Cadaverous" comes from Wayne Shorter's 1966 Blue Note album Speak No Evil, which was regarded as one of his finest releases and foundational to jazz composition and improvisation. Keezer's playing is sensitive and daring, like a journey through changing moods and colors. Patitucci and Penn provide a solid and supple foundation, allowing the music to evolve organically.

The album concludes with a Keezer original, "Madame Grenouille" (means frog in English). Keezer takes over the keyboard using the full palette of the instrument in this technically stunning number. Penn is given solo space which he fills with productive tension. The trio's collective improvisation is seamless throughout the album, and they listen to each other with empathy and creativity.