Featured Artist: Nelson Boschman Trio

CD Title: Keeping Time Vol. 02

Year: 2007

Record Label: Communitas

Style: Contemporary Jazz

Musicians:

Nelson Boschman (piano, Rhodes), Adam Thomas (double bass, electric bass), Kenton Wiens (drums, cymbals), Bria Skönberg (trumpet, flugelhorn), Brian Thiessen (guitars)

Review:

On Keeping Time Vol. 02, Canadian pianist Nelson Boschman explores the Christian liturgical calendar through a diverse offering of inventive instrumental jazz. The disc’s thirteen tracks highlight, in sequence, the main themes of the liturgy, beginning with Advent. The music is a mix of traditional spirituals, carols and Boschman originals. Each piece, cleverly arranged, is performed with sincerity and vigor by Boschman, bassist Adam Thomas and drummer Kenton Wiens. Trumpeter Bria Skönberg and guitarist Brian Thiessen guest on a few tracks.

Boschman maintains a simplistic approach to the keyboard, giving his solos room to breathe and taking in the influence of his band mates. His sensitive, yet assured approach on tunes such as “The Solid Rock” and “Light Beyond All Light (Catherine’s Prayer)” allows the essence of each piece to outshine individualized prowess. Thomas is about as solid a bass player as they come and his soloing is both punchy and lyrical. His melodic forays on “Were You There?” and “Go Down Moses” are thoughtful and swinging. Wiens proves himself a dynamic drummer who shifts convincingly from one style to the next.

Keeping Time Vol. 02 is produced by an organization out of British Columbia, Canada called Communitas Supportive Care Society. All net funds raised through the sale of the disc go directly towards support services for people who have disabilities and those struggling with mental illness. Worthy music for a worthy cause.

Record Label Website: http://www.communitascare.com

Listen or Buy: Communitas Online Store

Reviewed by: John Barron

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