COMPOSERS: Lynne Arriale
LABELS: In + Out Records
PERFORMER: Lynne Arriale (piano), Randy Brecker (trumpet), George Mraz (bass), Anthony Pinciotti (drums)
CATALOGUE NO: IOR CD 77089-2
With a string of superb trio albums behind her, flame-haired US pianist Lynne Arriale has established herself as a richly distinctive voice on the jazz scene. For Nuance she’s brought in horn player Randy Brecker to share the solo honours – and she’s chosen well.
Although Brecker is better known for blasting out the chops, Arriale’s approach has given him ears bringing out a more sensitive side in the trumpeter. For Brecker fans his fleet, sometimes hymnal flugelhorn playing here will be revelatory.
Maybe it is her teaching background but the execution of this mix of standards and originals (from Sting to Monk) is poised and considered to perfection.
Arriale retains an acute sense of clarity even when moving the improvisation along. Her lines are cut glass at any tempo.
Teacher knows best so far as the rhythm section is concerned, too, and the skittering accompaniment of veterans George Mraz and Anthony Pinciotti makes absolute harmonic sense.
The album comes with an excellent DVD recording of an intimate live show. Not only does it allow you to see the artists’ technique up close and personal, you can find out why Ms Arriale’s pianos always smell of lemons. Garry Booth