Emmet Cohen (piano); Russell Hall (double bass); Kyle Poole (drums) + Samara Joy (vocals); Julius Rodriguez (piano); TJ Reddick (drums)
It wasn't too long ago when someone quipped: Do you remember live gigs? Now, as things begin to return to something like 'normal', perhaps the question should be: Do you remember live streams? Of course some musicians continue to stream gigs, it's likely some will do so long into the future, particularly if the revenue stream doesn't tail off. One immensely successful weekly stream is Live at Emmet's Place. This week's edition - # 67 in the series - presented pianist Emmet Cohen's trio with one or two special guests.
As pianists go, NYC based Cohen* has to be up there with the best of them. Astounding technique, swinging it at the drop of a hat, Cohen's trio - bassist Russell Hall and drummer Kyle Poole - is one tight unit. Cohen's very nice looking apartment is home to his weekly online concert presentation. And it is a professionally produced package with its four camera set up (at times split screen), excellent sound and...there's a Steinway piano at our pianist's disposal!
Two instrumental numbers opened the show - one by Thelonious Monk and one by Bud Powell. Quite simply, tremendous! The following ninety minutes or so would feature a singular talent, Ms Samara Joy**. A recent graduate of Purchase College, New York, Joy is an astonishing performer. In her early twenties, our vocalist is in possession of impeccable chops and a rapidly developing stage
presence, no doubt honed by recent European concert dates with Cohen.
presence, no doubt honed by recent European concert dates with Cohen.
I'm Old Fashioned sang Joy. No way is Ms Joy old fashioned but she sure does know the GASbook! Keepin' Out of Mischief Now, Nostalgia, Too Close for Comfort and a whole lot more, Samara Joy is, by way of Sarah Vaughan, the 'real deal'.
Two of Juilliard's exceptional students came along to sit in. Cohen vacated the piano stool to allow Julius Rodriguez to show what he could do. The fact the young man has recently signed a recording contract with Verve Records suggests he is the business, and he sure is! What a great player with Blow Top Blues a particular highlight. Drummer TJ Reddick made a big impression earlier this year working on one of Rossano Sportiello's Live from the Flat live streams, and he did the exact same thing here at Emmet's Place. Volume 67 of Emmet Cohen's weekly stream is recommended viewing. Catch up on YouTube, you won't believe how good Samara Joy and the guys are!
* Emmet Cohen plays Ronnie Scott's on Wednesday 13 October.
** Samara Joy appears at Ronnie Scott's on Monday 8 November. An added bonus is Ms Joy will be accompanied by the brilliant guitarist Pasquale Grasso. Russell
Set list: Teo; Tempus Fugit; I'm Old Fashioned; Keepin' Out of Mischief Now; If This Isn't Love; I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good; Nostalgia; Yesterdays; Heartbreak Here I Come; Can't Get Out of this Mood; Too Close for Comfort; 'Round Midnight; Blow Top Blues; Stardust; If You Never Fall in Love with Me.
1 comment :
Russell I watched this from start to finish and surely Samara Joy is up there near the top of best jazz singer list (not that the list should really exist ).
We all know about Emmet Cohen trio being first call in NYC and beyond and I concur 100% with your review.
I thought this was one of the best sessions from the 5th floor venue, namely Emmet's flat, Samara Joy is absolute class . Having said that, the other 66 sessions are all very close to this set.
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