Impressionsa Jazz Album by Kirk Reese,
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Recorded April, 2014
Recorded, mixed, and mastered at The Music Centre, Exton, PA, by Glenn Ferracone
Produced by Richard Burton
Artwork by Julia Burton
Album design by Danny N. Schweers
Vectordisc Records 032
Recorded, mixed, and mastered at The Music Centre, Exton, PA, by Glenn Ferracone
Produced by Richard Burton
Artwork by Julia Burton
Album design by Danny N. Schweers
Vectordisc Records 032
Track List
- Whisper Not 8:59
Benny Golson, Time Step Music - Like... Monk-Like 5:19
Tom Reese, Sugarbeet Publishing - When I Fall In Love 7:12
Victor Young & Edward Heyman,
Chappell & Co. / Intersong USA - Re: Bop 5:15
Kirk Reese, Sugarbeet Publishing - Impressions 9:50
John Coltrane, Jowcol Music - Stardust 7:14
Hoagy Carmichael & Mitchell Parish,
EMI Mills Music / Songs of Peer - Shebeg Shemor 5:08
Traditional, arranged by Kirk Reese - In A Sentimental Mood 12:45
Duke Ellington, Sony / ATV Harmony
Liner Notes
To say that the debut recording from The Kirk Reese Trio is past due would be an understatement. This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of this trio's first gig. One of the wonders of jazz is the fact that three strangers can come together and make great music on a one-time gig. But what a treat when three good friends meet in the studio for a trio recording after spending half of their lives together. There is a deep familiarity and chemistry in this ensemble, and a beautiful sense of trust and communication.
I think the listener will be struck by the range of creativity on display in these tunes. These are formidable performances. This album offers both introspective, emotional performances, as well as moments of "wow, I can't believe they just pulled that off!" virtuosity. The level of melodic invention from all three players is inspiring. Like good friends, they support each other and encourage the exploration of new territory at every turn!
The program of tunes on this recording shows off what the trio does best: improvising adventurously on standard repertoire. All of the music was recorded during a short recording session of just three and a half hours. There are beautiful arrangements and conceptual ideas throughout, and in the midst of bebop we find Reese's other major influence, classical music (listen for dashes of Bach, Ravel, and Schumann).
Kirk Reese is a pianist who other pianists like to check out. The intense connection he has to the music he plays results in performances that are consistently passionate and soaring. This is a guy who turns heads when he plays. He remains in control of many streams of musical thought at a level few can pull off, and works himself into musical frenzies as his thoughts lead him into corners that require daring daylight escapes. We are astounded as he comes out of each moment unscathed! Put more simply, he's a scary dude. Like his heart, his music is sincere, genuine, and true. He is a restless and tireless searcher.
If ever there was a musician who cares about every note he plays, that person is Steve Meashey. It is hard to find a player of any instrument with a more joyful sound. His playing is full of lyricism, as well as sensitivity, honesty, and humor (he plays what he is). And while he can float through the time like the best of them, he can also groove like the best of them. He is a man full of wonderful spontaneous surprises.
There couldn't be a better drummer for this trio than Jeff Stabley. He fits (makes) the music at every turn, and is constantly inventive and inspiring. Obviously his time and feel are amazing, but it is the mind behind the notes that gets our attention. These are musical decisions that reveal the mind of a true composer shaping, directing, and propelling the music; of one deeply aware of the heights to which music can go, and the ability to take it there.
David B. Thomas
Composition/Piano Faculty
The University Of The Arts
Philadelphia, PA
August 31, 2014
I think the listener will be struck by the range of creativity on display in these tunes. These are formidable performances. This album offers both introspective, emotional performances, as well as moments of "wow, I can't believe they just pulled that off!" virtuosity. The level of melodic invention from all three players is inspiring. Like good friends, they support each other and encourage the exploration of new territory at every turn!
The program of tunes on this recording shows off what the trio does best: improvising adventurously on standard repertoire. All of the music was recorded during a short recording session of just three and a half hours. There are beautiful arrangements and conceptual ideas throughout, and in the midst of bebop we find Reese's other major influence, classical music (listen for dashes of Bach, Ravel, and Schumann).
Kirk Reese is a pianist who other pianists like to check out. The intense connection he has to the music he plays results in performances that are consistently passionate and soaring. This is a guy who turns heads when he plays. He remains in control of many streams of musical thought at a level few can pull off, and works himself into musical frenzies as his thoughts lead him into corners that require daring daylight escapes. We are astounded as he comes out of each moment unscathed! Put more simply, he's a scary dude. Like his heart, his music is sincere, genuine, and true. He is a restless and tireless searcher.
If ever there was a musician who cares about every note he plays, that person is Steve Meashey. It is hard to find a player of any instrument with a more joyful sound. His playing is full of lyricism, as well as sensitivity, honesty, and humor (he plays what he is). And while he can float through the time like the best of them, he can also groove like the best of them. He is a man full of wonderful spontaneous surprises.
There couldn't be a better drummer for this trio than Jeff Stabley. He fits (makes) the music at every turn, and is constantly inventive and inspiring. Obviously his time and feel are amazing, but it is the mind behind the notes that gets our attention. These are musical decisions that reveal the mind of a true composer shaping, directing, and propelling the music; of one deeply aware of the heights to which music can go, and the ability to take it there.
David B. Thomas
Composition/Piano Faculty
The University Of The Arts
Philadelphia, PA
August 31, 2014