The blurb refers to Rager as a distinguished Canadian jazz pianist which may bring to your mind another musician who also fits that description. Like the late Oscar, Rager is indeed a distinguished Canadium pianist and composer.
Eight tracks - six originals and a couple of standards - are sublimely played with outstanding solos by both Rager and Bernstein. The latter's cool, laid back solo flights are the epitome of taste and gentle swing. The way piano and guitar intuitively pick up from where the other left off without loss of continuity is the mark of genius.
I'm often a bit sceptical over originals - too often they're thinly disguised contrafacts and other times they are anything but. I usually prefer the former. However, in the case of Rager his six compositions are so well-crafted both harmonically and melodically that a new bar has been set for jazz composers.
With solid support from Walkington and Irwin this is rather special and it's released today (Dec. 1). Lance
I've Grown Accustomed to her Face, Centered; Heart's Pace; Intro, Fathers and Sons; Ebb and Flow; Within Reach; Dreamsville
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