Williams, Jeff: Bloom

Jeff Williams is a veteran jazz drummer having played with a number of notable musicians throughout the years including Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, John Abercrombie, Stan Getz and many others. On his new album titled Bloom he is joined by Carmen Staaf (piano) and Michael Formanek (double bass). Williams and Formanek have known each other for decades and the chemistry between the two is really something to behold, each letting the other’s unbridled talent take hold. This forms the framework for Staaf’s nimble piano work to weave its magic. The album consists of eleven tracks including ten originals with each member included in the writing credits. This is a true trio effort and the results are outstanding.

The disc begins with “Scattershot�, an urgent and unrelenting improvised piece showcasing the trio’s frenetic three pronged attack. It’s completely off the cuff but because these musicians are so in tune with the other it all makes perfect sense. The next track “Another Time� is not near as frenzied, more subdued and melodic showing the trio’s subtle interplay as Staaf and Formanek lay down some impressive soloing. With “Short Tune� the band artfully play off one another creating some highly imaginative music. Staafs’s creative piano soloing is some of her best moments on the disc although she really is stellar throughout. The subtle bass and drum interaction creates some nice moments as well, these guys know each other all too well. Williams’ busy drum work highlights the propulsive “Scrunge/Search Me� as the band really step into high gear. The only cover is a treatment of Buster Williams’ “Air Dancing�, its slow groove and lovely melody a nice reprieve from some of the album’s more aggressive moments. The sentimental “Northwest� is another easy flowing tune with occasional bursts of intensity.

Bloom is a nicely balanced and beautifully played jazz album that will surely impress anyone who cares to listen. Let’s hope this trio stays together for album number two. A Whirlwind Recordings release.

Track Listing:
1. Scattershot (3:05)
2. Another Time (5:35)
3. Short Tune (5:22)
4. Scrunge/Search Me (6:26)
5. Ballad Of The Weak (6:05)
6. New York Landing (5:24)
7. She Can’t Be A Spy (5:39)
8. Air Dancing (6:35)
9. A Word Edgewise (5:19)
10. Northwest (7:10)
11. Chant (3:57)

Added: October 6th 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 2564
Language: english

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