Speech Spirit is the third album by pianist Dominic J. Marshall. The 25-year-old Scot gets one after another accolade from experts and enthusiasts. And for good reason, as his new album presents the musician in an unprecedented and artistic level of play that is full of influences.
Dominic J. Marshall studied classical piano for ten years under the watchful eye of his father. In 2010, Dominic decided to go to college, study jazz, and was a master at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. During this time he released his debut,
The Oneness. In 2012, he graduated Cum Laude from Leeds and built - mainly in Europe but also in the Baltic States and Russia - a growing audience. Names like Jamie Cullum and Gilles Peterson were taken with him.
Spirit Speech is an impressive feat in which Marshall and his virtuosity exhibits a striking array of inspirations and styles passing in review. Dominic tackles beautiful classical passages in the best tradition of Bach, to bebop-like Monk and Bud Powell structures, and breathes impressive solo improvisations reminiscent of Keith Jarrett. The composer is not afraid to return to give an urban hip hop touch, with progressive twists at times.
The pianist is accompanied by the Dutch talents Jamie Peet on drums and Tobias Nijboer on bass. The three of them create acoustic standards with a remarkably big sound without flying off the road. The music on the album is intelligent, romantic, exciting and passionate. Marshall mixes past and present into a familiar, yet fresh and tasty lemonade that you want to keep drinking through the whole day. Undoubtedly already a jazz peak in 2014. Masterful!