CELLAR MUSIC 40423 (RECORDED JANUARY 2023)
Over the past several years, the Cellar Music label has built a reputation for serving up straight-ahead unadulterated jazz. Charles, Play!, the debut release from pianist Charles Chen, not only reinforces that point, but will certainly build the reputation for this young West coast jazz musician. A Cedar Walton-inspired take on the standard “How About You” sets the stage for nine tracks that are reminiscent (but not imitative) of the Eastern Rebellion band Walton lead in the 1990s. Saxophonist Ralph Moore, who was a member of that group for three releases, adds his bright sound to Chen’s takes on standards, a Charlie Parker tune, and three originals (one dedicated to Benny Golson). Moore sits out on “These Foolish Things,” giving Chen, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington an opportunity to demonstrate their lyrical approach to ballad playing. The last tune of the set sums it up best — Cedar Walton’s “Simple Pleasure.” After all, this is a simple, uncomplicated and exquisite jazz performance that will be your pleasure to listen to over and over again.
BOTTOM LINE: Although the title of the release is Charles Play!, it could have easily borrowed a song title from Steve Allen — “This Could Be the Start of Something Big.”
I hope it is, as I will look forward to the next Chen release — whether it is a quartet, trio
or even solo.
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