Kirk Lightsey: Live At Smalls Jazz Club

The genesis of this brief (in terms of tracks; the Spotify version differs slightly) but satisfying recording merits some comment. During the salad days of the pandemic, Smalls Jazz Club in New York (and many other venues) were shuttered. Many artists were forced to improvise (in more ways than one) both to find a place to play and to make a living, neither particularly easy even in "normal" times. The Smalls LIVE Foundation raised funds through what it describes as a world-wide not-for-profit network of jazz fans and musicians to keep clubs alive. There was, it turns out, a surplus. The surplus became the budget for the "Smalls Live Living Masters Series" of which this recording forms a part. Not everyone wants to look for a silver lining but, if there ever was one, Kirk Lightsey's shines through. It is a brief, but swinging and most tasteful document of Lightsey's work at Smalls and the storied Bradley's. For a particular admirer of Lightsey's work or a piano hound or even just a fan of good jazz, the results are very satisfying.

Although Lightsey has never, as far as one knows, claimed to own "In Your Own Sweet Way," Dave Brubeck's rightly celebrated composition, he has recorded it in the past. This version, with Mark Whitfield on guitar and Santi Debriano on string bass clocks in at over 10 minutes, and gives everyone a chance to stretch out. Since these are no ordinary players, the result is inspiring, as one would expect. For some unknown reason, the invisible hand of great taste keeps the track on repeat. A listener can get something new each time; it wears very well in its joyful way. Nor is it the only one. It is always fun to hear what great players can do with Eddie Harris' "Freedom Jazz Dance," and Lightsey does not disappoint.

Lightsey also has some history with Tony Williams' "Pee Wee," which is followed by an original, "Heaven Dance." The longest track by far is J.J. Johnson's "Lament," which is really a vehicle for a poignant solo by Whitfield. "Blues On The Corner" is just what one might expect, a romping, stomping old school blues in which everyone gets involved. Is that a shout of approval overheard at the close? Well merited, for sure.

The subtitle of this recording, a sleeper for sure, is senior dudes showing the next generation just how it is supposed to be done. Search a bit for it, if you must, because it is, for all intents and purposes, a master class in the sound of surprise.

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