Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Laszlo Gardony: Natural Instinct
Laszlo Gardony: Natural Instinct
ByHis latest release, Natural Instinct, features drummer Yoron Israel and fellow Beantowner John Lockwood, a bassist best known for his work with The Fringe (one of free jazz's best kept secrets, featuring tenor saxophonist George Garzone and drummer/percussionist Bob Gulloti). The disc contains a mix of original tunes and covers, the latter rendered with Gardony's subtle yet signature reharmonizations and melodic embellishments. The pianist's chops are flawless, making his complex rhythmic permutations and fleet lyricism sound effortless and off-the-cuff. Never overplaying, Gardony offers up short and succinctly constructed solos that serve the tunes.
Drummer Israel is the consummate accompanist, generously supporting the pianist with an understated eloquence that, ironically, makes it easy to understand why he may be one of the most underrated drummers in the biz. Lockwood, too, says more with less; subtle and supple, he steps out briefly for a few moments, particularly on "Thinking of Stella, where his counterpoint is uncannily empathetic. Without forcing the issue, Gardony and cohorts have allowed a wonderful collaboration to take place, like a conversation between old friends who are not in a hurry to talk each other's ears off. Let's hope his students are listening too.
Track Listing
Natural Instinct; Revolution; Hidden Message; Motherless Child; Me and My Echo; Waking Dreams; Thinking of Stella; Peace; Softly (As in a Morning Sunrise); Someone; Us and the Night and the Music.
Personnel
Laszlo Gardony
pianoLaszlo Gardony: piano; John Lockwood: bass; Yoron Israel: drums.
Album information
Title: Natural Instinct | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records
< Previous
Universal Mother
Next >
Sharp? Monk? Sharp! Monk!