Search - Uri Caine :: Live at the Village Vanguard

Live is best

M. S Thaler | villanova, pa, usa | 07/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently had the chance to catch Uri Caine at the Vanguard and was blown away. The music as expected was sensational, but the nuances - the control of dynamics unmatched since Bill Evans, the transitions from overpowering block chords and technically demanding runs to quiet intimate moments of extraordinary beauty - were what stood out. This album catches all of that. The trio is extraordinary, working together like a single entity, and the tunes are challenging and reward repeat listening. In particular, pay close attention to 'Otello' - it will stick in your brain (all for the good) for a long long time. This album challenges, swings and emotes - one of the best live piano trios I have heard in a long time"

BANG!

poorwerther | annapolis, maryland United States | 06/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Man, if Uri's not one of the cats that brings some of the most diverse playing to the table! Thunderously powerful, and tastfully restrained. After hearing many of his other albums, I rushed to get this album of his trio. Well worth the money, search and listen."

A Live in trio to be compared with Kenny Werner's Peace.

M. Rodriguez Frederic | 07/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Uri Caine, like Kenny Werner, is a jazz giant who needn't such praise. Musicians for musicians, these guys know who they are, and jazz connoisseurs also know who they are. Their performances (Kenny Werner at the Blue Note in NYC in April 2003, and Uri Caine at the Village Vanguard in May 2003) have been issued this Summer. Both groups are REAL GROUPS. Musicians (see my preview for Kenny Werner's Peace) in a superlative trio, in the sense of a Bill Evans with a Scott La Faro and a Paul Motian or in the sense of a big-great-superlative rhythmic section with, for instance(...), a Herbie Hancock with a Ron Carter and a Tony Williams... No more, no less... Not a leader with two sidemen but three musicians respecting one another, three great technicians without yielding to facilities but playing together for the sheer joy of the public ! Chris Speed has benefited (and still is?) from superlative drumming of underestimated Ben Perowski (listen to great Speed's album "Iffy" issued in 2000; for that matter the bassist was Drew Gress that we find here, in Uri Caine's superlative trio. Drew Gress, no need to introduce him : he is one of the fastest double-bass musician to enjoy the greatest celebrity in the jazz scene today. (Drew Gress plays in many groups, and to compare what's right, lets say he's been Fred Hersch regular bassist for many years.)
Like Peace by Kenny Werner, Live Village Vanguard shares some rare standards (from Miles'"Nefertiti" which is a composition by Wayne Shorter; Kenny Werner also played Wayne Shorter's themes from that Miles Davis album : great tune "Pinocchio" and superb and mysterious ballad "Fall" !) + varied original compositions by the pianist (6 by Uri Caine, 4 by Kenny Werner). Between the tracks, no time for applause, Uri like Kenny, pursues his work at great speed. Change of time, change of rhythm... These musicians have no time to be self-centered. Neither do we. As listeners or musicians, more than once we're at a loss for words. No need to talk there. Just admire the music. And smile at such sense of humour here and there, such velocity and space between the musicians, thinking that Jazz is not dead, thank ### !
Marvellous..."