Greg Reitan: The Bounding Line

The Bounding Line is a testament to the power of artistic immersion and long-standing musical camaraderie. Accompanied by his trusted trio members, bassist Jack Daro and drummer Dean Koba who have shared a musical bond spanning over thirty years, Greg Reitan reflects on his personal and musical journey. The ideas for Reitan's original compositions presented here emerged during his 2019 residency at Aaron Copland House in Cortland Manor, New York. The other handful of numbers have been chosen from rarely-heard covers written by well-known jazz musicians.

The album opens with Reitan's "The Path" in a 3/4 tempo and full of elegance with inspiration from the scenic pathways that connect the Hudson River parks. The number meanders and flows much like the river itself. Earl Zindars' "My Love Is an April Song," was written for Bill Evans. Reitan gives the ballad an ethereal reading as his economical piano style teases out the composition's numerous connections.

The title track begins with a bit of a head fake as Reitan sets a forward pace for the opening bars. He and the trio quickly moved into warp speed, with Greg burning up the keyboard with startling single-note runs. Drummer Koba joins in, showing he is a bright and energetic musician at home with complex compositional structures. In 1964, the Dave Brubeck Quartet released Jazz Impressions of Japan on Columbia Records. Brubeck contributed one of his compositions on this album, "Rising Sun." Reitan and the trio ease into their interpretation with careful pacing. Daro is given solo space, which he inhabits with strength and sensitivity. Another of Reitan's favourites is the Keith Jarrett ballad "Love No.1." In the trio's transcription of this composition, Reitan's piano delivers his own brightly evocative, harmonically layered version of the number.

Returning to Reitan's compositions, "Rock Hill" was inspired by the unique architecture of the aforementioned Copland House. The number begins with a focused and contemplative sound and then moves along with speed and poise. The closing track is an Aaron Copland composition called "Down a Country Lane," with Reitan reading it verbatim; apart from some extemporaneous bass figures by Daro and some drumming colour from Koda, it is delivered with a bright and assertive touch.