Orchestral jazz, at its best…
John Beasley & SWR Big Band – Invisible Piano – o-tone music #OT079-2-CD – 38:27 – *****
(John Beasley – Steinway Spirio piano, synthesizer – SWR Big Band – Guest artist – Magnus Lindgren – flute)
Choosing the SWR Big Band from Stuttgart, Germany, was a wise decision for pianist and composer, John Beasley, on his new release, Invisible Piano.
John was commissioned for this project, and the SWR Big Band is made up of veteran European musicians, who are sponsored and supported, and capable of tackling complex projects. They have won a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement in 2021, while Beasley has already been awarded two Grammy Awards himself.
Inspired by a painting by Max Ernst, shown at the Staatsgalerie in the Stuttgart Museum, John sang melodic lines into his I Phone. Taking the further creative step by using the Steinway Spirio, their high resolution player
piano, an instrument that enables playback, recording, and editing performances on a handcrafted Steinway grand piano. For this CD, Beasley recorded the piano tracks in late February, 2022, at Steinway Hall, while the balance of the recording, conducted by John, was recorded in early June, 2023, at the SWR Funkstudio, in Stuttgart.
The results are stunning. It’s a blend of jazz and classical themes, with rich improvisation. Beasley’s piano is a force of brilliant melodic beauty, while the 20 piece big band, including guest Magnus Lindgren, on flute, rise to the occasion, especially the woodwind section. The brass section also has their say, adding heft to the arrangements. Beasley wrote, arranged, and conducted the five originals, and the CD ends with a sublime “Fire and Rain,” from James Taylor, and “Can’t Hide Love,” from the pen of Skip Scarborough, made famous by Earth, Wind, and Fire.
Some highlights include, “Concentric,” with Lindgren’s flute solo, and several mood changes. There is some playful call and response between flute and the lower register horns. “Woman With Chariot,” shows the band’s power, highlighted by Martin Auer’s trumpet, and a dreamy arrangement. There is spirited interplay on “Galaha,” and I could see it used on a movie soundtrack, with its lovely melody.
The title track is glorious, as it reaches for the heights, with a passionate sax solo, and grand classical motifs blended with improvisation. “Danseur Espagnol,” is a three ring circus led by Marc Godfroid, on trombone, and Beasley’s piano solo shining bright. Mood changes occur, till the tune closes with a brass growl.
There is so much to love here, as it keeps listeners in rapture, wondering where John Beasley’s creative mind will lead us in unpredictable ways. It’s jazz orchestral splendor demanding multiple listening sessions to fully appreciate!
—Review by Jeff Krow
John Beasley & SWR Big Band – Invisible Piano
Tracklist:
Concentric
Woman With Chariot
Galaha
Invisible Piano
Danseur Espagnol
Fire and Rain
Can’t Hide Love
