Bob Mamet Trio: Impromptu

I have been listening to a lot of jazz lately and the latest to cross my desk is the new release by the Bob Mamet Trio entitled Impromptu. His latest effort is a richly melodic CD of piano led contemporary jazz and is one of the easiest CDs to listen to I have had the pleasure of hearing this year.

Mamet was born in Chicago and studied music at the Peabody Conservatory before moving to Los Angeles where he began his musical career. He has released a number of albums and has worked with many artists including Larry Carlton, Gerald Albright and David Benoit. This is first effort as the Bob Mamet Trio.

Mamet has come out with a fabulous CD that harkens back to a more innocent time when classic jazz trios were all the rage and jazz was at its peak. It is refreshing to hear a modern jazz trio playing with so much melody and class. The CD consists of ten songs all in the three to four minute range. The melodies come quickly and often making Impromptu as memorable as it is enjoyable. Mamet is an excellent piano player which he so ably demonstrates song after song. His playing is both subtle and lyrical, filled with emotional nuance. Complimenting Mamet are Darek Oles on bass and Joe La Barbera on drums and both excel on their chosen instruments.

The album begins with the title track, a song steeped in the tradition of classic jazz. Complimenting Mamet's melodic piano lines is the daft cymbal work of Barbera. His skillful touches on the drum kit can be light as a feather or much more forceful as he demonstrates on "Keziah" where the rhythm section really cooks up a storm. Other highlights include "Cats on the Roof", a melodic piece of jazz that really swings and the lovely romantic ballad "Until Morning", a contemplative listen reminding me of days gone by with another pretty piano melody.

Impromptu is a timeless listen of the highest order. Highly recommended for all fans of piano centered jazz. Heck, all jazz fans need to hear this CD, period.

Track Listing:
1. Impromptu (3:37)
2. Cats on the Roof (3:07)
3. Venice Waltz (3:51)
4. At Play (4:31)
5. Until Morning (4:53)
6. Danzon Allegretto (4:24)
7. Bob's Blues (4:22)
8. Illinois Road (3:44)
9. Keziah (3:48)
10. Impromptu (Reprise) (2:54)

Added: August 9th 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 2177
Language: english

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