Search - Laszlo Gardony :: Behind Open Doors

Art of the Trio

David Gitin | 03/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Laszlo Gardony's first trio album in twelve years, since the marvelous LEGEND OF TSUMI, and it exhibits his ability to reharmonize jazz classics like "Round Midnight" and "Blue in Green," alongside his lyrical gift and subtle rhythms. Jamey Hadad's drumming blends beautifully, especially on "Come With Me." John Lockwood's lovely bassline on "Round Midnight" is a standout. Gardony's title piece is elegant and probing, as is "The Other One" (not the Grateful Dead tune). An extraordinary composition is "The March of 1848" in which Gardony pays tribute to his Hungarian roots in a unique way, with resonances (to this listener) of Scriabin and (about half-way through) Satie as well. The seamless quality of the trio suggests a high level of art, and will deepen with each listening."

Letting go...

CCK | USA/EUROPE | 03/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...//...This music here is sound carved in emotion / emotion in balance / balance of spirit & mind / truly mindful creating...All his trios have been very strong (with Dave Holland & Bob Moses, Miroslav Vitous & Ian Froman a.o.)...but here I feel:-This recorded trio is the most balanced, they all seem to listen so much to eachother, suggest ideas, go separate ways to keep it interesting and still come back to the one(ness)....-Laszlo seems the most relaxed, very inspired, without wanting to proove anything, really flowing, or even just being...-Round Midnight is as much a masterpiece in his version as is the original...very powerful...Should have bared is name as the composer...-Beautiful how free Laszlo plays over those changes of Blue in Green... -John Lockwood, the bass-player, is a great fit for LG. A fat sound, impeccable time, creative and on his way but always supportive... -The drummer unfortunately is a bit undermixed...But he has great rhythms and colors to offer & a fresh approach to the classic piano trio in jazz..Short: Such a balance of energy...Beauty just through mere flowing and letting go. A moment rarely lived in music in general. Go get out there and get this...as it is a beautiful example of music that surrendered to the NOW....//..."

Piano Trio Masterpiece

Christian Artmann | New York | 06/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is like a perfectly ripe fruit.



First there is the richness - harmonic concepts ranging from Bartok to Coltrane, the polymetric forms and percussive playing typical in Hungarian folk music, the elegant phrasing of Bill Evans, the expansive melodies of classical and pop/rock music... And all of it developed and assembled with incredible individuality. Add to that Gardony's deep, dark touch on the piano, Lockwood's beautiful sound on the bass (check out his yearning arco playing on "Mystical"!) and Haddad's inspired, multi-dimensional percussion sounds and layers of rhythm and texture.



Then there is this wonderfully organic feel. This trio's vast arsenal of technique is never put at the service of trickery or short-term effect. There is something honest and pure about Gardony's pursuit. And it definitely seems these guys have been playing together for multiple lifetimes.



The result is astounding. "Round Midnight" is transformed from romantic ballad to an ominous midnight gathering of spirits - easily as much masterpiece as the original. "The Other One" impresses with cool, edgy changes. "Mystical" reaches great depth in a rubato and very free improvisational setting. And then of course there is the title track: a few melody notes laid out to great effect over a complex, richly textured canvas. It seems composed the way a truly masterful painter would paint. The result is exotic, hopeful, strong yet also dark and melancholic.



This recording is a true masterpiece."