The jazz piano trio is alive and well! "Skyline," the new CD from Bennett Paster, Gregory Ryan and Keith Hall, emphatically proves it. Recorded in Brooklyn, NY, this recording showcases three young musicians who have a broad vision of modern jazz. T [+]The jazz piano trio is alive and well! "Skyline," the new CD from Bennett Paster, Gregory Ryan and Keith Hall, emphatically proves it. Recorded in Brooklyn, NY, this recording showcases three young musicians who have a broad vision of modern jazz. These guys really swing, but they also cover significantly more ground. Insightful, melodic original compositions by all three musicians incorporate R&B, funk and Latin grooves with comfortable authority. Plus, they've included their interpretations of two favorite standards: Coltrane's "Naima" and Bernstein's "Some Other Time." This CD gives jazz a good name: the sonic fidelity is amazing, the playing is masterful and the groove always feels good.
I recently got a chance to interview pianist Bennett Paster about "Skyline." His words and thoughts about the music provided clear insight into what the CD is about: the "Good Feeling" is in effect.
-L.C. Taylor, Jazz Critic
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LCT: Why did you make this recording?
BP: Gregory Ryan, Keith Hall and I decided to record this CD, "Skyline," because, during the past several years, the three of us have felt a strong musical connection, but our busy careers as sidemen prevented us from documenting any of the music by our own trio. The title reflects our experiences living and performing in New York City, where we are surrounded by diverse music and culture. "Skyline" is window looking onto the landscape of our collective musical vision.
I went through a period of my musical development where I was concerned that everything I played or composed had to be different from music that had been made before. I was fascinated by contemporary classical and avant-garde jazz and my music reflected these styles- the harmony was atonal and rhythmically the music was very free, often not in a steady pulse. When I stepped back and listened to what I had created, often I didn't find the results compelling or pleasing. After some reflection, I finally admitted to myself that, in spite of my intellectual desire to create "new," unique music, most of the music that really moved me had a strong groove. Simultaneously, I started paying more attention to the lyrics of songs (especially in popular music) and noting how they related to the melody. Perceiving this co
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