Customer Reviews

Ever Before Ever After

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This is an excellent trio featuring Laszlo on piano, John Lockwood on bass, and Yoron Israel on drums. From the fresh voicings on Ellington's "Satin Doll" and Coltrane's "Giant Steps" to the joy of Laszlo's originals, the group operates as a unit, the same close listening Yoron Israel brought to his work with Ahmad Jamal, and John Lockwood's sensitive accompaniment at all points. The disc was recorded in Boston before a studio audience, and perhaps that helped give the performance a bit of its fire (instead of the sometime sterility of studios).

Heard "Satin Doll" from this disc on the local jazz station driving home. Got there, but had to wait in the car until the song finished. First the drums grabbed me. Ever changing and nailing it down; wondered if it was Art Blakey; WOW! Then realized this was a result of ensemble effort; piano, bass and drums. An interweaving of chords and rhythm the likes of nothing I've heard since Keith Jarrett's "Death And The Flower"! Not since the night I discovered jazz (T. Monk) have I listened with my eyes closed. Blocking out all other senses, in an attempt to focus and follow the torrent of spontaneity. Like trying to catch the wind with a butterfly net. Once finished my vision swam back and I returned from my hypnotic revery. A Maz Ing.

(Update: As great as this disc remains for me, I just couldn't believe when I heard The Esbjorn Svensson Trio; possibly the BEST piano Jazz trio currently working. Early E.S.T. (1996) shows Svensson as the only pianist who can Out-Jarret Keith Jarrett(!), while the bass player seems to be inspired by the Jimi Hendrix Experience on their 2006 album. E.S.T. are changing what piano jazz trio means, while Lazlo Gardony brings a unique and much needed voice to piano jazz.)

All of Laszlo Gardony's works are brilliant, and his newest release is no exception!