ELASTIC RECORDINGS ER015 1744. (RECORDED OCTOBER 2022)
“Aloft” is not only the title track on pianist Bryn Robert’s latest release, but also a nautical term relating to the upper rigging on a sailing ship. With that in mind, I offer this nautical review of Aloft, the first trio outing for this Canadian-born pianist, who along with bassist Matt Penman and drummer Quincy Davis, sail through five Roberts’ originals and two standards. They chart their course through the choppy and angular waters of Robert’s “Let’s Agree (That You Agree With Me”) and the swagger of “Stevedore Cosplay.” They glide through “Steen’s Scene,” a minor blues Roberts dedicates to Portland drummer Ron Steen, and the title track, a Kenny Wheeler-inspired waltz. They drift through the beautiful ballad “Amaryllis,” written for Roberts’ wife. Although Kurt Weill’s “My Ship” and Cole Porter’s “You Do Something To Me” may be familiar waters, the trio discovers interesting ways to navigate the tunes. Rather than playing it as a ballad, “My Ship” is given a medium swing treatment. An intricate rhythm pattern and catchy bass line add interest to “You Do Something To Me.” Roberts is at the helm throughout the session, guided by what might be his North Star — Red Garland, Wynton Kelly and McCoy Tyner, and supported by his crew of Penman and Davis who know how to keep the music on an even keel.
BOTTOM LINE: Fans of piano jazz will want to check out Aloft — the first trio recording for Canadian-born pianist Bryn Roberts. Roberts and his trio of bassist Matt Penman and drummer Quincy Jones deliver a session of originals and standards that go to great heights (one definition for the word aloft.)
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