Search - Richie Beirach, Francois Moutin, Steve Davis :: Explorations & Impressions

75 minutes of good piano trio

Ian Muldoon | Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia | 08/27/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I've always liked Richie Beirach since I first heard his album ELM issued on ECM in the 1970's. His strengths, especially his touch, are evident on this album where he is joined by Mr Steve Davis on Drums (nominal leader) and Mr Francois Moutin on Bass.
The two originals on the album, both by Mr Beirach, PENDULUM and ELM, are the two musical bookends of the pianist's skill - the first a swinging upfront number, the second a haunting and explorative ballad. There is ample room for extended solos (one track lasts 28 minutes).For an apparently spontaneous recording session, it works very well. It is superbly recorded at the drummer's studio and mixed by him. Although not up at the forefront of available jazz piano trio recordings, it is worth owning. If you are a fan of Bill Evans you'll like this album."