Szabo, Daniel: Visionary

Daniel Szabo has quite a resume. The Hungarian born pianist was trained at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and the New England Conservatory of Music. Later he earned his doctorate degree from the University of Southern California and is currently an associate professor at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music. He is currently based in Los Angeles and has released eight albums as a band leader including his latest titled Visionary.

Szabo and his band play modern jazz, both composed and improvised, crossing through both areas effortlessly. This band is at the top of their game. The disc begins with the title track, a spine tingling workout between strings and piano, both fluid and jarring that builds in slow increments. The music is as melodic as it is complex, just a superb track all around. Some fantastic string and piano highlight “Vaison-La-Romaine� as well as wonderful bass and flute. The music ebbs and flows through tricky rhythms and varying change ups demonstrating this band’s supreme talent. Throughout the piece Szabo’s piano work is truly exceptional. Layered strings begin “Cosmic�, a very playful workout building in complexity and intensity before a flute and piano section veer in a different direction. The tenor sax solo is tasteful and melodic. The music is intense one moment and mellow the next, such is the dramatic nature at play here.

The players are absolutely phenomenal throughout Visionary. If you like jazz I urge you to check this one out pronto. Highly recommended.

Band members:
Daniel Szabo (piano, compositions, solos on #1-6)
Sara Andon (flute)
Bob Sheppard (flute ��" solo on #2 & #5, tenor sax ��" solo on #3)
Chris Bleth (oboe)
John Yoakum (English horn)
Kim Richmond (clarinet, alto sax ��" solo on #4, soprano sax ��" solo on #3)
Phil O’Connor (bass clarinet)
Chad Smith (bassoon)
Charlie Bisharat (1st violin)
Joel Pargman (2nd violin)
Andrew Duckles (viola)
Charlie Tyler (cello)
Edwin Livingston (acoustic bass ��" solos on #2, #5, #6)
Mike Valerio (bass on # 5)
Peter Erskine (drums ��" solo on #3)
Timothy Williams (conductor)

Track Listing:
1. Visionary
2. Vaison-La-Romaine
3. Cosmic
4. Infant Eyes
5. Floating
6. Underwater

Added: April 24th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 781
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]