All About Jazz

Marc Cary: Trillium

By JIM SANTELLA
April 1, 2000
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From the moody modern mainstream, pianist Marc Cary’s trio moves deliberately with dramatic passion, then balances its program with swinging blues romps and lilting flute melodies. A powerful pianist who leans toward classical diversion, Cary grew up in the Washington, DC area, where creative music has always been well received. Once he moved to New York, the pianist received experience and an education through the "schools" of Arthur Taylor, Betty Carter, and Abbey Lincoln.

Cary performs Lincoln’s song "My Love is You" without accompaniment in a lyrical and expressive manner. His piano becomes a unique and individual voice, as the composer’s influence at that point is undeniable. Miles Davis’ "Little Willie Leaps" features Waits riding the brushes and Mateen walking the bass, as Cary provides the classic melody with a modern twist. Cary’s "Moment of Love" offers impressionism through its snake-like movements and harmonic depth. The pianist takes charge, phrasing as if he were singing, while drums surround him with a wall of sound and bassist moves the theme ever forward. Highly recommended, Cary’s fifth recording as leader features three of today’s most interesting jazz artists releasing new ideas while never losing sight of the tradition.