Barry Green explores the contemporary possibilities of jazz piano from a deep foundation in the tradition.
He’s absorbed contemporary jazz innovators such as Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Geri Allen, Brad Mehldau and Jason Moran, but has also a deep commitment to the antecedents of today’s jazz sound. His grasp of the bebop language, his understanding of the role of the piano in the rhythm section, and his rock solid sense of form and swing are always at the heart of his performance.
All were on display at the 606. Joined by Dave Green on bass and up-and-coming vocalist Aitzi Cofre Real, the trio’s set included songbook standard ‘My Shining Hour’, bebop contrafact, Lee Konitz’s ‘Subconscious-Lee’, and the modern gem ‘The Glide’ by Ralph Towner.
Dave Green’s commanding sense of time and swing gave the music an air of total effortlessness. He walked perfect lines for chorus after chorus, created moments of free, spacious, and syncopated grooves, and his solos were some of the most intriguing moments of the night, where he called forth passages of pure motivic development that matched the piano’s more Mehldau-inflected moments perfectly.
Aitzi Cofre Real was a delight. She has a phenomenal ear, guiding both her tasteful embellishment of melody and a truly masterful scat solo over the challenging harmony of ‘The Glide’.
The night’s highlight was Carmen McRae’s ‘I Have the Feeling I’ve Been Here Before’. Cofre Real’s interpretation of the lyrics was understated but gently tinged with an authentic sadness. Accompanying vocalists is perhaps where Green shines most, with his profound sensitivity to emotion, dynamics, and the push-and-pull of a singer’s phrasing.
Upcoming Barry Green gigs include:
-22 November, Pizza Express; Tommy Campbell Trio as part of LJF.
-27 November, Kings Place: Ian Shaw/Barry Green, playing the music of Stephen Sondheim
– 28 November with Aitzi Cofre Real at 1000 Trades 16 Frederick St, Birmingham, B1 3HE
-13 January, Pizza Express: Barry Green/Norma Winstone (the first time they’ve worked together).
