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Joey Calderazzo - Amanecer
Marsalis Music/Rounder
A post-bop pianist of the highest order, Calderazzo
acquits himself very well on this, his newest CD. Starting out
strong with a wonderful set of albums on Blue Note, Calderazzo
has only gotten better with age and experience and has created
several masterful piano jazz albums filled with inventive
playing, melodic and harmonic innovations, and a lively
percussive attack. Truly, he is an artist to watch closely as
jazz music continues to evolve. Meanwhile, this album should
stave off his fans' appetite for more of his piano playing
Fans of Calderazzo will remember his stints playing in
Michael Brecker's band and for replacing the late Kenny Kirkland
in the Branford Marsalis Quartet but all following his career
will remember his Blue Note's, where his sidemen were all more
well-known than he was and he worked a style reminiscent of the
acoustic piano work of Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. No
matter, as Calderazzo has developed into a fantastic leader and
has crafted a career placing him at the top of a whole new breed
of jazz artist bringing the music triumphantly into the new
millenium. Most significantly, he has found his own voice, as
all superior jazzmen have had to do to succeed. Now that he has
it, he has managed to take off with it and use it to create some
of the most striking jazz of the past ten years.
Mostly a solo recording, Calderazzo's new CD is a
departure for him. He is not totally alone, however, as
guitarist Romero Lubambo joins Calderazzo for three selections
as does Claudia Acuna. The result is a stark album that accents
Calderazzo's playing and inventiveness more than ever before
while also showcasing his adeptness at coming up with memorable
melodies on his own and making other's songs (like mentor
Michael Brecker's "Sea Glass" and Bill Evan's "Waltz for
Debbie") sound as if he had written them. For my money,
Calderazzo's own "The Lonely Swan" is the highlight of the
album. This is truly a top-notch recording for Calderazzo and
points towards a great career as he continues to gain momentum
and experience. I see Calderazzo emerging as one of the top
pianists in jazz within ten years if he keeps turning out albums
as good as this one.
Aficianados of piano-based jazz will love this album the
most, but it should appeal across the board top those who like
melodic invention and a new perspective on classic jazz.
Calderazzo is clearly one of the leading lights in the future of
jazz. Watch him, and while you're watching him, pick up this
album. - Scott Homewood
www.joeycalderazzo.com
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