Featured Artist: Frank Kimbrough

CD Title: Air

Year: 2007

Record Label: Palmetto Records

Style: Other

Musicians: Frank Kimbrough (piano)

Review:

Frank Kimbrough is based in New York where he honed his craft as a solo pianist. He has been involved with the Jazz Composers Collective, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, and Dewey Redman’s quartet among others. Kimbrough has toured extensively and has had radio appearances on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz and All Things Considered. He has also found time to educate other musicians at some of our finest universities.

Air is Frank Kimbrough’s new CD on which he revisits his solo piano background with imagination and color. His flowing compositions are featured on Air along with those of Paul Motian, Duke Ellington, and Thelonious Monk. Kimbrough concocts a brilliant palette of hues and thoughtful moods as he explores a deep and curious landscape of tone and expression. Filling every space with meaning and direction, his playing is inviting and captivating. The title track is like a journey into the heart of a warm soul, while his “Ca’lina” is a romp of stride, bop, and good-timing swing. Articulated with pinpoint precision, his “Quickening” and “The Spins” are of intricate design, but move with flowing ease. His rendition of Monk’s “Coming on the Hudson” steams along with churning excitement propelled by a relentless bass line.

Frank Kimbrough’s Air should not be missed. Color and expression like this is hard to hear in a club over the chatter and clinking of glasses. Superb writing and flawless playing only begin to describe Kimbrough’s depth and intriguing style.

Tracks:

It Should’ve Happened a Long Time Ago, Quickening, Coming on the Hudson, Air, Wig Wise, Three Chords, The Spins, Jackie-ing, Ca’lina

Record Label Website: http://www.palmetto-records.com

Artist's Website: http://www.frankkimbrough.com

Reviewed by: Jim Shulstad

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