Louis Heriveaux: Triadic Episode

Where has Louis Heriveaux been hiding? That's the first question/thought that pops into the head after hearing this music. But truth be told, Heriveaux hasn't been hiding at all. We—the jazz public at large—just haven't had enough exposure to his talent(s). Heriveaux has racked up sideman credits with major jazz figures like guitarist Russell Malone and vocalist Nneena Freelon, he's a central figure on the scene in Atlanta, Georgia, and he's a first call player for jazz heavies (i.e. saxophonist Jimmy Heath) passing through that city. The only thing seemingly keeping him out of sight and mind up to this point is the lack of any albums under his own name. That's where Triadic Episode comes in.

The arrival of Heriveaux's inspired leader debut serves as one hell of a corrective in the obscurity area. It brings to light his strong skills as composer, interpreter, improvisor, technician, conversationalist, and communicator, marking him as a pianist deserving of much greater attention. He's a force to be reckoned with, whether laying things down on a funky original like "One For Simus," bounding along on Mulgrew Miller's "From Day To Day," taking an appropriately euphonious turn on the immortal "Body And Soul," or charging through Cole Porter's "Everything I Love" with swinging aplomb, and his playing is built on power and precision. His heavyweight trio mates—bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Terreon Gully—act as an extension of his style, bringing strength, invention, and personality to the fore in their every move.

Some of the most exciting moments on this date come from the grooving path the trio cuts and the muscular back-and-forth between Heriveaux and Gully. Hearing this well-oiled machine of a group tackle "All The Things You Are" in seven and swing on Heriveaux's "Theme For Doslyn" is simply exhilarating. And Gully has practically trademarked a certain brand of choppy, dynamic, broken beat soloing, a skill he puts to good use when trading with somebody as sure-footed as Heriveaux.

There's not a flawed aspect or a weak track to be found on this one. Heriveaux really has it all, and he's put it together perfectly in this substantial first showing.