Frank Kimbrough Quickening CD

Recorded live at The New School, New York, New York on September 24, 1998.

Captured live at New York City's New School University, pianist Frank Kimbrough and his fellow "Jazz Composers Collective" associates successfully morph a mainstream jazz attack with progressive tendencies and more! No doubt, Kimbrough is a master of expressionism who articulates his compositions with strict adherence to melody. On this release, bassist Ben Allison and drummer Jeff Ballard generate a bevy of splintered flows and smoothly executed swing vamps. The title track might spur memories of pianist Keith Jarrett's '70s quartet, sans saxophonist Dewey Redman. Here, Kimbrough incorporates a Monk-like sense of rhythm atop a loose groove, awash with subtly rendered deviations. Yet, one of Kimbrough's many calling cards resides within his penchant for reworking a melody line within the context of any given composition, as they instill a sense of perpetual motion into these works, regardless of tempo.

Years of performing together amid various projects are profoundly showcased here. In addition, the musicians effortlessly glide through sensitively conveyed ballads and mid-tempo swing vamps. More importantly, Kimbrough continues to shine as a formidable modern jazz composer. (Fervently recommended). ~ Glenn Astarita

Frank Kimbrough Trio: Frank Kimbrough (piano); Ben Allison (bass); Jeff Ballard (drums).

Personnel: Frank Kimbrough (piano); Jeff Ballard (drums).

Liner Note Author: Frank Tafuri.

Recording information: The New School University Jazz Performance Space, New Y (09/24/1998).

Photographer: Frank Tafuri.