VINCE BENEDETTI TRIO (BJQ)

It is often quite amazing to find out, what kind of musical jewels are hidden away in most unexpected places. Pianist, composer and arranger (and part-time trombonist) Vince Benedetti apparently lives a quiet life outside of Zurich. Which does not mean, that he has lost touch with the proceedings on the jazz scene. His playing is as good as ever, his compositions convince any listener and this album gives ample proof of his intense relationship with jazz in general.

Benedetti is a very melodic player out of the bebop-tradition, his choice of titles, as long as they are not written by him, revolve around standards out of the “All American Songbook” as well as almost forgotten tunes out of the classic jazz repertoire. His own compositions are tailored around the bebop vocabulary, notably inspired by Bud Powell and Tadd Dameron. Bassist Reggie Johnson and drummer Alvin Queen form a rhythm team following explicitly the stylistic concept designed by the leader, and deliver the perfect support for each type of chosen material.

All in all a refreshing, inspiring album, projecting the music performed by a trio of nonpareil musical understanding and interaction – musical jewels to be enjoyed by those jazz fans familiar with the tradition as well as its consistent development into our times by these three outstanding performers.