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Ben Markley: Tell the Truth
ByAccording to Markley, the pieces were written to parallel the classic 1960s Blue Note quintet recordings, with guitarist Steve Kovalcheck replacing the customary trumpet lead and sharing front-line duties with alto saxophonist Wil Swindler. Markley is flanked in the rhythm section by bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Kyle Swan. It is an impressive lineup, one whose members are consistently focused and resilient.
Setting aside for the moment his noteworthy compositional (and academic) creds, Markley is first and foremost a superb jazz pianist whose every solo raises the enterprise to a higher level. Swindler and Kovalcheck are stellar soloists as well, while Whitaker and Swan provide no reason for unease in the rhythmic zone.
Markley's songs are efficient albeit well short of memorable, lending the group durable runways from which to spread their wings. The more engaging among them are those with a brisk and emphatic beat, which, luckily for the listener, includes almost every number, from the opening title song to the prancing finale, "Rimshot."
To Tell the Truth, this is a sturdy small-group session which covers no terrain that is less than admirable and pleasing.
Track Listing
Tell the Truth; Tuesday Morning Feeling; Don't Bring It Up; Snowy Range Blues; Spencer's Mood; It's Spoken Spokane; The Picture Outside My Window; Rimshot.
Personnel
Ben Markley
pianoSteve Kovalcheck
guitarWil Swindler
woodwindsRodney Whitaker
bassKyle Swan
drumsAlbum information
Title: Tell the Truth | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: OA2 Records
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