BALTHAUS/LUMEIJ/GRIMBERGEN
Gershwin
Hi5 Records
Dirk Balthaus (piano), Joep Lumeij (double bass / guitar) and Inigo Grimbergen (drums) took up the challenge to record again fourteen of George Gershwin’s well-known standards (1898-1937). It takes courage to interpret such well-known material with the pretension of producing a listenable album. Particularly in the classical trio setting you will fail miserably if you don’t have something special to tell. However, the cd, simply entitled ‘Gershwin’ is an excellent album. It is, of course, the richness of Gershwin’s compositions that makes listening such a pleasure.
The album contains fourteen interpretations where choices have been made, arrangements compiled and accents placed. The listener will be impressed by this trio’s lectures. The title could have been ‘Gershwin reinvented’ as this is jazz of the highest level, both inventive and creative. It is new discovery for Gershwin, who is generally recognised as a classical composer. Here he is seen in the light of impressive jazz.
The team playing between the trio is remarkable. While Balthaus clearly leads the melody line, the accompanists Lumeij and Grimbergen create the space. A perfect combination, making you think of Ahmad Jamal, Monk and Bill Evans. The cd finishes with a version of Gershwin’s classical composition ‘Prelude #2’, a duet by Balthaus and Lumeij on guitar. ‘Gershwin’ has become a fascinating story.
(Frank Huser, Jazzflits 3-2007, NL)
|
