STEVE KUHN TRIO + JOE LOVANO: Mostly Coltrane
ECM, 2009

MODERN JAZZ – Pianist Steve Kuhn, who was a member of John Coltrane’s quartet for a few months in 1960, reinterprets tunes from that period and Trane’s later career. Focusing on his spiritual aspect and balladry rather than his fire, Kuhn and saxophonist Joe Lovano create a resonant, contemplative atmosphere fitting the “ECM sound.” They luxuriate in the richness of the material rather than wrestling it in some vain attempt to recreate the original vibe, and that’s why it works.

* * * * | All very nice. Fo’s Picks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12

1. 4:59 – floating, delicate ballad: serene solos for piano and sax… lovely
2. 7:29 – deep, spirited intro, then easy-walking modern bop
3. 6:22 – moody, velvet ballad: sax glows softly, piano drips with melancholy
4. 5:59 – trio: after-hours ballad, tender and romantic, sipping a cocktail
5. 8:43 – lively and swinging, beams brightly, sax comes in near halfway mark
6. 5:10 – gently lyrical: calm, spiritual surface and turbulent eddies below
7. 3:49 – sweet sunny day reverie, flows and meanders
8. 6:03 – upbeat: spiraling theme carries through to warm solos, perky rhythm
9. 3:40 – solo piano, lush and vibrant ballad
10. 4:21 – energetic drum bashing and rising/scurrying sax (later piano)
11. 6:56 – meditative, burgeoning sound, wide open and freely flowing
12. 8:18 – strong, soulful walk featuring Lovano on tarogato (like a clarinet)
13. 5:24 – solo piano: lush ballad with a magical, cinematic air

[ Fo ] 09/06/09