Jill McCarron: Gin

JAZZ BIRD RECORDS (RECORDED MAY 2023)

Jill McCarron is a tease and it’s not just because of the seductive CD cover, it’s because of how she seduces you with her prowess as a pianist. On Gin, she channels Horace Silver on “The Jody Grind,” brings Bobby Timmons to mind on Kenny Dorham’s “Monaco” and captures Gene Harris’ bluesy style on “Blue Bells.” But those three opening tracks are a tease for what’s to come — inventive and inspired performances of Jerome Kern’s “Yesterdays” and Harold Arlen’s “My Shining Hour.” The reflective opening solo on “Yesterdays” might lead one to think a ballad will follow, but as bassist Paul Gill and drummer Andy Watson join McCarron, the tempo explodes, the time signatures shifts and her solos are all her own. Alto saxophonist Vincent Herring adds his Jackie Mclean infected sound to “My Shining Hour” (he also plays on “The Jody Grind” and “Monaco”), while McCarron’s fleet right hand is complimented with her powerful comping in the left. McCarron takes full control on a solo version of Bill Evan’s “Waltz for Debby.” Shades of Jessica Williams come to mind as McCarron demonstrates her stride playing in the left hand and a fast and light touch in the right. She manages to add an element of surprise to the end of the tune by quoting Evan’s “Five.” McCarron’s composing is also showcased with her three-part “Gin Suite,” shifting from straight-ahead blues to modal to intricate bebop lines. The session continues with the gospel-driven Junior Mance tune “Jubilation,” Herring joining in on the pop jazz mood of George Duke’s “Geneva” and trumpeter Randy Brecker added for Don Grolnick’s funky “The Whisperer.” Things come to an end with a sensitive trio performance of Denny Zeitlin’s “Quite Now.” Gin is definitely a tease for more releases from Jill McCarron — hopefully a solo recording or more of her own compositions.

BOTTOM LINE: Like the Harold Arlen tune she interprets with grace and imagination, Gin in Jill McCarron’s “Shining Hour,” 58 minutes of familiar and original tunes performed by a responsive rhythm section and guest artists such as saxophonist Vincent Herring and trumpeter Randy Brecker. I look forward to more shining hours form this rising piano star.