Leslie Pintchik (pno); Steve Wilson (ten/sop on 6 tks); Ron Horton (tpt on 6 tks); Scott Hardy (bs); Michael Sarin (dms); Satoshi Takeishi (perc).
(Review by Lance).
Ms. Pintchik's fifth CD is the second one that's come up for review on BSH - the previous disc, In the Nature of Things, turned up just under two years ago and was favourably received by this reviewer. Likewise, this new album also hits the spot. Pintchik's delicate, but not effete style, brings to mind Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal - the notes also compare her with Ralph Burns.
Never having heard Burns as a featured piano soloist, I cannot comment on that. However, knowing Burns' work for Woody Herman as a composer and arranger I'd say that is where the similarities lay. The six originals are truly worthy of Burns and, indeed, any other jazz composer but they are Leslie's and worthy of becoming a part of the standard jazz repertoire.
The two horns kick delicacy into touch on most of the six tracks where they open their cases. It adds contrast in the way that Dijon Mustard gives a touch of piquancy to a medium rare steak. Their lyrical side emerges on the title track where soprano and flugel decorate Pintchik's musical cake most tastefully.
The horns are on the bench for the non-originals. Beautiful interpretations of Imagine; Falling in Love Again; Charade and For All We Know - the latter recorded live at Scullers in Boston. Hardy and Sarin are sound and unobtrusive throughout with Takeishi' percussion gently floating.
It would be wonderful to hear Pintchik in the UK but I guess we'll just have to make do with CDs or else take a trip over to Manhattan for the CD release concert at Jazz at Kitano - 66 Park Avenue, NYC. This takes place on Friday, May 13 - not a good date to be flying!
The album was released yesterday (March 25) on Pintch Hard Records.
Lance.
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