CD Review: Dean Stockdale Trio - Origin

Dean Stockdale (piano), Gavin Barras (double bass) & Adam Dawson (drums)

(Review by Russell)

Pianist Dean Stockdale works out of Darlington, Manchester and a suitcase. Hailing from the Tees Delta, Stockdale would cite Oscar Peterson as an influence although his engagements extend way beyond the classic jazz piano trio format; big band pianist, classical accompanist, theatre work and touring with the Madchester-inspired Hacienda Classical show.

Origin is Dean Stockdale’s new trio recording featuring the Manchester-based bass and drums duo Gavin Barras and Adam Dawson. Nine tracks, seven of which are Stockdale compositions plus two standards, the musicianship is of the highest order, as is the quality of the studio recording. Mingus to open with – Nostalgia in Times Square – followed by three Stockdale originals, the Sammy Fain masterpiece Out of Nowhere, the listener will conclude that Origin is nothing short of excellent.

Dean Stockdale certainly writes a good tune, evinced by three back to back numbers; Railtown and Nth Degree (the latter with a joyous Billy Taylor vibe), and the swift, swinging, Pike Place (including Gavin Barras’ purposeful solo and a brief round of fours highlighting Adam Dawson’s exceptionally good drumming). Stockdale’s closing composition – Metropolitan Nocturne – all of two minutes and thirteen seconds, takes it down, the perfect ending to one of the very best CDs of 2017.

Origin by the Dean Stockdale Trio is available now.

Visit www.deanstockdalemusic.com.

Dean Stockdale is appearing tonight (Friday 7 July) at the Jazz Café, Newcastle in the inspirational duo with world-class trumpeter Noel Dennis.                   

Russell.