Marcus Persiani: In-Motion

Pianist Marcus Persiani has been recording as a sideman since 1991 and as a leader since 2005. He has terrific command of the keyboard and smart taste in song choices, which is always a plus for me. His trio album released in September, In-Motion (Persiani Music), features Curtis Lundy on bass and Emanuel Harrold on drums. It's superb.

You may recall, I reviewed Marcus's quintet album The Proper Time, featuring George Coleman, earlier this month. Both that one and this one grabbed me, which is ultimately how I decide what to review.

The songs on In-Motion are Duke Jordan's No Problem, Wayne Shorter's Edda, Sonny Clark's Royal Flush (also known s Nica), the standard For Heaven's Sake, Thelonious Monk's Bemsha Swing, Marcus's Shell Reading, Luis Demetrio's La Puerta and Marcus's Footstep Blues.

What I love about Marcus's playing is his confident technique and the feel that's built in. Curtis drives the action on bass, and Emanuel's drums are tight and competitive on up-tempo numbers and compassionate on ballads. Put this one on and just let it run. The music will sweep you away.

JazzWax tracks: You'll find In-Motion (Persiani Music) at Amazon here and on all major streaming platforms, including YouTube. You'll also find it streaming at Marcus's website here.

JazzWax clips: Here's Royal Flush (also known as Nica)...



Here's La Puerta...



And here's No Problem...