Steve Hirsh: Root Causes

Although Steve Hirsh's name appears on the masthead of Root Causes, you might not immediately recognize it as a drummer-led recording. Unlike the unmistakable leadership of Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, and Tony Williams, Hirsh leads with subtlety, functioning more as a selfless, responsive collaborator than a dominant force.

The album features a classic piano trio format, with pianist Eri Yamamoto and bassist William Parker rounding out the ensemble. This trio forms three-quarters of the Sparks Quartet, led by saxophonist Chad Fowler. Together, they've toured and released two albums on the Mahakala Music label—Sparks (2022) and Live at the Vision Festival XXVI (2023). Just before embarking on their 2023 tour, the trio recorded this set.

The album opens with "We Went Finding," an apt title for a piece that feels like a process of musical discovery. Yamamoto's probing piano, Parker's nimble pizzicato lines, and Hirsh's brushwork create a spacious, exploratory atmosphere. The trio gradually moves into a polite, improvised conversation—trading motifs, trying out ideas. Hirsh's drumming often resembles a musical haiku: concise, intentional, and evocative. The piece closes on a gentle, blues-tinged note, signaling a collective sense of arrival.

Throughout the album, the trio embraces the freedom of improvisation without tipping into chaos. On "Riptide," Parker trades his upright bass for the gimbri—a traditional Moroccan three-stringed, skin-covered instrument—laying down a hypnotic pulse. Yamamoto responds with cascading two-handed runs while Hirsh cycles through intricate, odd-meter rhythms, acting as the perfect colorist for the setting. Whether driving the energy on "Gamuts" or engaging in an intimate duo with Yamamoto on the title track, Hirsh consistently provides thoughtful, sensitive accompaniment that elevates the ensemble's cohesion and depth. Root Causes is a testament to the power of deep listening and shared intuition—proof that sometimes the most compelling leadership comes from knowing exactly when to step back.