Tell the Truth

To tell the truth while we're at it the only player I am familiar with here is bassist Rodney Whitaker - known for his work with Terence Blanchard and Roy Hargrove - who is certainly a convincing presence on 'Don't Bring It Up' and throughout.

Tunes are by the leader pianist Ben Markley who is an academic at the University of Wyoming and active on the Denver jazz scene.

Tell the Truth was recorded in a Colorado studio.

'Snowy Range Blues' is the song I like best. But beyond individual preferences the coherent style throughout appeals and the concept has integrity - laidback, progressively 60s sounding acoustic modern jazz with guitar (Steve Kovalcheck) and alto sax (Wil Swindler) in the blend that challenges you to listen to as much detail as you can find.

Markley's earlier work I read on his website's biog includes Ari's Funhouse, a big band album featuring the music of drummer Ari Hoenig. I'll be digging into his back catalogue later suitably turned on.

Markley is the author of a book called Cedar. The Life and Music of Cedar Walton published by University of North Texas Press. And yes there is a Cedar Walton influence in his sound. But there's a bunch of other influences too. The American's approach even reminds me a little of English pianist Alex Webb. Solid fare then, maybe a little too understated, but rewarding weekend listening nevertheless. The sort of sound any self respecting fan would pay good money to hear in a proper jazz club that respects the music enough to give a non-mouldy fig about.