Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Peter Beets: New Groove

493

Peter Beets: New Groove

By

Sign in to view read count
Peter Beets: New Groove
Although his passion has always been in documenting important New York players worthy of wider recognition, producer Gerry Teekens has occasionally turned the spotlight on worthy talent from his Dutch homeland as well. Along with guitarist Jesse van Ruller, the most visible Dutch artist on the label recently has been pianist Peter Beets. His three previous sessions for Criss Cross have found him working in a trio format and including many of his own substantial compositions. His new work, the aptly titled New Groove, goes for something quite different by utilizing a program built on standards and by featuring a drummer less trio of piano, bass and guitar.

The opening strains of "You're My Everything" suggest similar classic trios from the past, such as those of Nat Cole and Oscar Peterson. The swing is infectious and there's clarity of sound and approach that is a hallmark of Peter's playing throughout. The pianist also looks at these familiar chestnuts with new eyes, making for a fresh slant. This is most evident on a number like "They Say It's Wonderful," most commonly associated with the classic ballad approach of Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane. Beets and crew take it at a medium gate with the guitar strumming a relaxed four beats to the bar in perfect Freddie Green fashion.

Beets utilizes two rhythm sections for the album, one comprised of fellow Dutchmen and the other including New York stalwarts Joe Cohn on guitar and Reuben Rogers on bass. Both trios have a lot to offer and Beets graciously shares the solo space. Cohn even gets to voice the lead on "Three Little Words" and shares similar duties with Beets on the iconic "Tricotism." A refreshing change of pace and revitalization of a trio format rarely used these days, Beets offers a "new groove" that is well worth giving a listen to.

Track Listing

You're My Everything; I'm Old Fashioned; Blues for Giltay; In Your Own Sweet Way; They Say It's Wonderful; Nuages; Three Little words; Easy Listening Blues; Parker 51; But Beautiful; Tricotism.

Personnel

Peter Beets: piano; Joe Cohen: guitar (2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11); Reuben rogers: bass (2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11); Martijn Van Iterson: guitar (1, 5, 6, 9); Rudd Jacobs: bass (1,5,6,9).

Album information

Title: New Groove | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Criss Cross

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.