Search - Nick Rolfe :: The Persuader

With the arrival of "The Persuader," we can add pianist Nick Rolfe?s name to the list of talented young players in whose hands rests the fate of jazz in its second century. However, ?The Persuader? also places Nick Rolfe?s name on another, much shorter list - that of young musicians who display leadership abilities far beyond their years. So often it happens that a new leader puts together a band for a debut recording, then proceeds to use the band mainly as a backdrop for the artist's string of virtuosic solos. Not so with Nick Rolfe?s debut as a leader. Here the ensemble's tight knit work plays as important a role in the success of the recording as the pianist's accomplished playing. This remarkable sense of restraint is a tribute to Rolfe?s confidence as a leader, confidence that comes from years of listening, study and just plain hard work. Throughout its dozen tracks, ?The Persuader? clearly demonstrates Rolfe?s alluring piano work and his enthusiasm for composing and arranging.