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Tom Ranier: This Way
ByOn this, his first recording under his own name since Bright Idea (Primrose Lane, 2007), he has crafted a polished sound, a sort of piano trio spiced with understated synth and reed orchestration soundscaping. In the fashion of fellow pianist/orchestrator Bob James, Ranier's art is meticulously constructed, seamless and beautifully accessible, from the opener, his own lush "Blue Aria," to the closer, Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Desafinado," all laid down with a crisp precision.
The smooth and pensive "Circle" showcases Ranier's delicate and alluring piano touch and, perhaps, his classical grounding, while the title tune gets into a Brecker Brothers-like dance groove. "Secret Heart," written by trumpeter Randy Brecker and pianist Eliane Elias, is a tribute to the late saxophonist Michael Brecker. Ranier re-works the tune, arranging it for soprano sax, three clarinets and bass clarinet, shaping it into a work of jaw-dropping beauty.
With the exception of "Desafinado," the closer, the sound of This Way has a suite-like cohesion, while the Jobim sends us off on a gregarious and hopeful note.
Track Listing
Blue Aria; Circle; This Way; Yes Kloose; Secret Heart; Trio Vision; Rhapsody; Desafinado.
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
Tom Ranier: piano, synthesizer, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, clarinets, bass clarinet, contra alto clarinet.
Album information
Title: This Way | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Self Produced
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Album Review
Dan McClenaghan
Mouthpiece Music
This Way
Self Produced
Tom Ranier
Terry Gibbs
George Coleman
Thom Rotella
Trey Henry
Ralph Humphrey
Bob James
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Michael Brecker