Cubist

With musicians like Hal Galper, everything takes on different meanings . Associate of Chet Baker, Sam Rivers. Stan Getz, Lee Konitz, Joe Williams, Anita O'Day and Chris Connor, a few years old member of the famous Cannonball Adderley Quintet and permanent member Phil Woods Quintet have never known the fame of their appreciated colleagues. From the time I heard Sam Rivers' A New Conception (1966, Blue Note), I knew I was dealing with a heavyweight player!

The latest Hal Galper Quartet "Cubist" is another confirmation. The multi-generational quartet with Jerry Bergonzi on tenor, Jeff Johnson on double bass and John Bishop behind the drums presents music full of vigor, jazz interaction and juicy phrases, seasoned in the joint spontaneous musician of jazzmen. Where we need to be struck by the dynamism and teamwork of the band, at other times slightly abstract piano by Galper, yet another balladic tone worthy of real masters.

Hal Galper is a pianist who is not afraid to play a simple melody, one would like to recall the words of another great pianist - Keith Jarrett, who once said "The melody will always win". After all, melodies give the opportunity for creative improvisation, creating innovative chords and harmony, experimenting with a changing rhythm.

Eight songs, three standards (SOLAR by Miles Davis, ISRAEL by John Carisi and IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD by Duke Ellington) plus one by Galper and four by the bassist of the band - Jeff Johnson closed in less than 60 minutes, is the essence of beautiful jazz, great solos by excellent instrumentalists , without unnecessary star and unnecessary scuffles, unpretentious playing, great musical understanding and great experience. Oh, simple music, nothing revealing, but life is so much here that it could be given to many jazz bands.