Musicians: Joe Davidian (piano), Jamie Ousley (bass), Austin McMahon (drums)
Review: Joe Davidian is a talented pianist, a composer and a band leader. He has a new outstanding recording and on it he leads his trio, through nine songs. Mostly originals, two cover tunes are included, Harold Arlen’s “Over The Rainbow” and John Lennon’s “Imagine”. On this recording he pays tribute to bebop, with superb interpretations of strong melody lines that swing and sway. The trio contributes to the composing with bassist Jamie Ousley and drummer Austin McMahon creating two songs each while Davidian adds three songs. The group plays as one, a strong unit, sounding similar to some of the greatest jazz trios of our time.
The cover tunes are performed with grand gestures, “Over The Rainbow” is given a fresh coat of water colours with touching statements that mimic the original. The song features a high end bass interlude where Ousley plays the melody line with flowing lyrical beauty. Davidian rains down piano runs that paint the sky, a very broad pallet to work from he lets fly with all manner of colour. The closer and another cover tune, “Imagine” by John Lennon is treated to the trios tender mercy. With loving care they take the haunting melody and build a priceless masterpiece. In Davidian’s playing the strength of a Keith Jarrett comes through clearly, especially in his rendition of this Lennon classic.
The original tunes are very good, on the Ousley composition “Someone” an excellent ballad with an open feel to it, that allows Davidian to explore the melody in an unrestrained manner, he gives his all. The drummer Austin McMahon creates a pure post bop tune in “Study Steady”. On this tune bassist Jamie Ousley gets to roam with care free abandon. The other members of the trio are in solid support, giving a full and powerful sound. Joe Davidian’s songs swing, “Just Like That” is a prime example. A fiery tune that takes flight from the start and does not look back.
Tracks: What It’s Worth, Clouds in a Wedding, Silent Fire, Someone, Over The Rainbow, T.I.E. Trio, Study Steady, Just Like That, Imagine
JazzReview.com
