Customer Reviews

Modulation

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Modulation" is the creation of a young Boston-based jazz pianist whose creative gifts are apparent in both execution and composition. If the title track doesn't become a jazz standard, I would have to put that down to inadequate exposure because its melody ranks up there with the best of them.

Barkan has sufficient self-effacement to create a CD with a third of its content written by other better-known composers even while his own compositions are so good. In fact both my wife and I prefer his treatment of "Waltz for Debby" over Bill Evans' own version on his classic live album.

There is a well-rounded mix of tempos on this hour-long production and adequate time given to both the bassist and the drummer. "Modulation" stands as an excellent showcase for the jazz trio format. This artist deserves to go far and I hope we'll be hearing a lot more of him in the future.

We placed an earlier CD by this artist to be played by the guests in our lodge rooms. We hear it being played often when passing by the rooms and poeple enthuse about it.
This new recording goes one better. The trio work together well and some of the tunes are original and fascinating. Straight ahead jazz in form but surprising in content. We recommend!

Wow! How exciting is this? So many original pieces and some of them with a sensual Brazilian form. I enjoy grooving on this CD alone or sharing it with friends at dinner. Highly recommended!

The CD is nice listening. A balanced blend of piano, bass and percussion, though percussion is on the edge of a tat too heavy. The music is driven along a good pace with lots of bounce, sometimes with a hint of latin flair in the percussion from time to time. If you like percussion you will not be disappointed. The piano is definitely good.