Clay Giberson: Moment's Notice

Jazz fans with a history of listening to the innovators of the 20th century will recognise the title of Clay Giberson's trio outing, Moment's Notice, as a pick from saxophonist John Coltrane's 1958 Blue Note Album, Blue Train. It serves here as the set's closer, wrapping the show up with yet another touch of familiarity. Nine of Moments' Notice revisit the standards, tunes by Horace Silver ("Mayreh"), Keith Jarrett ("So Tender"), Wayne Shorter ("Beauty & The Beast"), and Charlie Haden ("First Song"). He also includes a pair of his own compositions: the opener, "Open Road," and "Speak."

"Open Road," the opener, first appeared on Giberson's 2002 release of the same name. It was Origin Records' offering at the beginning of his quarter-century tenure at the label. This opener—and the entirety of Moment's Notice—features Giberson in a trio setting where he excels: Spaceton's Approach (2015) and Ulternative (2012), both on the Origin label, attest to his trio prowess. For Moment's Notice, he and bassist David Ambrosio and drummer John Bishop revisit the format, with Giberson using the electric keyboard enhancements that give the tune a soaring orchestral feeling.

"St. James Infirmary," a venerable tune if ever there was one, is underlain by a cool electric wash for a 21st-century reimagining, while "So Tender," from the Jarrett songbook, is a probing cogitation.

Giberson celebrates his influences on Moment's Notice. Silver's "Mayreh" bops with a joyful zeal, while "Poinciana," covered famously by Ahmad Jamal and Jarrett, is another subtly enhanced gem in the hands of Giberson and his trio.

"Speak," a Giberson original, looks inward, showcasing the pianist's skill with a light touch, while Shorter's "Beauty & The Beast" sounds—with Giberson's electric backdrop—like a Nelson Riddle treatment of the tune, as does Haden's "First Song."

All in all, Moment's Notice serves as Giberson's well-executed nod to his influences while it modernizes their compositions. It is a superbly sequenced album—the piansit/composer's finest to date.