Final Thought: I Had A Ball is a sweet, innocuous record. It has some appealing qualities, most notably Pam's voice.
LAZLO GARDONY – DIG DEEP
This CD is full of original compositions, save for one tune that is a Gershwin standard. It's a heartfelt record that sounds big; it has the feel of a live album, even though it isn't. Lazlo Gardony is a Hungarian born jazz pianist, schooled not only in jazz but rock, blues and classical. It's the tapestry of all those styles that makes this CD burst from its packaging.
Gardony plays piano on Dig Deep and is accompanied by John Lockwood on bass and Yoron Israel on drums. The trio has been playing together for six years and create some intricate songs.
Strengths: Gardony's piano is distinct; it has its own voice and tone and he plays it nimbly. “New Song,” for example, shows the expressive piano – it sounds like a rainy weekend afternoon; the piano notes patter and the drummer makes his cymbal's splash. “Wide Awake” has the feel of an old 80s rock ballad, only without the pomp and circumstance.
Gardony writes that he finds “a lot of joy in marrying odd-meters/changing time signatures with the sound and groove of gospel, funk, jazz and rock.” Lockwood and Israel help him create those odd time signatures. “Heavy” is another rock-infused tune with some crisp and brisk drumming. Israel plays complicated patterns on his snare/hi-hat and it's just a joy to hear. The drums take over “Heavy,” making it my favorite track. Listen for his rolls throughout the record.
Weaknesses: Despite the pristine musicianship, some tracks seem to be muddled. The best tracks are exciting and alive, but there are only a couple.
Final Thought: The drumming is wonderful, the piano is distinct and the bass fills in all the gaps. An excellent trio with some thoughtful music.
Article comments
1 - Jim Shearer
Dear Gray,
Many thanks for your kind words about our new CD, "The Memphis Hang." I wish I could say it's the first time my playing has been compared to a cartoon penguin, but, it's not! If you'd like to hear some more great jazz tuba playing, check out any of the Howard Johnson and Gravity CDs on Verve or Jim Self's new CD on Bassett Hound Records. Jim was the voice of the spaceship in "Close Encounters..." You can also find many other great jazz tubists here.
Thanks again,
Jim Shearer
2 - Gray Hunter
Thank you, Mr. Shearer. For what it's worth, Opus rocks.
3 - Gray Hunter
PLEASE NOTE: Mr. Gardony's first name is spelled with an "s." Laszlo.