Find the Way is the second release from veteran pianist Aaron Parks, and first featuring the trio with double bassist Ben Street and drummer Billy Hart. It follows his solo release Aborescence, which was a big hit with fans and critics alike. For this latest, the trio have put together nine atmospheric & expansive tracks that follow classic influences like Alice Coltrane, Shirley Horn, Rosemary Clooney, and Nelson Riddle, mixing that with a modern sensibility. As the pianist explains, his intent here is to allow "the music to breathe and be", and that's clearly the end result. Opener "Adrift" soars with breezy melodies and tight arrangements, while the engaging "Song for Sashou" not only features catchy melodies, but also virtuoso flights from the members, including a nimble solo from Street. "Unravel" is a fine example of classy jazz, while "Hold Music" and the more tribal "The Storyteller" contains a wealth of groove and majestic yet fiery interplay. The intricate "Alice" is no doubt a tribute to one of his heroes, and includes a wealth of gorgeous runs from the pianist as well as leathery bass grooves courtesy of Street. The trio mixes in some wild improv on the aggressive "First Glance", and the majestic arrangement of "Melquíades" is nothing short of magnificent, Hart's steady drumming driving the trio to soaring heights.
For a modern take on the classic piano trio, it doesn't get much better than Find the Way. Aaron Parks has once again hit a home run for ECM Records, so make sure you don't miss this one.
Track Listing
01 Adrift
02 Song for Sashou
03 Unravel
04 Hold Music
05 The Storyteller
06 Alice
07 First Glance
08 Melquíades
09 Find The Way
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