November 2005
The unusual instrumental composition of this trio makes for some impressive and fresh-sounding music. Just when I thought I had enough recordings of the jazz standard "Night in Tunisia," D’Rivera presents a version that swings with eloquence. Summer’s own "Kalimba" lets the cellist shine in a solo setting and suggests a bigger role for the cello in jazz. Yavnai’s "Five After" is infectious and displays all three players. Cesar Camargo Mariano’s "Crystal" is given a more intimate and successful treatment than on Yo Yo Ma’s recent CD, Obrigado Brazil [Sony Classical 089935], a disc on which D’Rivera played. As one might expect from Chesky, the sound here is excellent. Each performer has his own place in the soundstage, and even subtle sounds, such as the fingering of the cello or the clarinet, are easily heard. The recording succeeds in placing the musicians in a physical space, which adds to the enjoyment of the music. In recounting his childhood, D’Rivera says that he listened to swing and classical music and wasn’t cognizant of changing genres but was only aware of great music. D’Rivera’s disc reflects this: It isn’t good jazz or good chamber music, but simply great music. GO BACK TO: |
Paquito D’Rivera - The
Jazz Chamber Trio
