Sebastian Sternal Trio, Featuring Anne-Marie Jean, vocals – Paris – Stockfish Records stereo-only SACD SFR-357.4068-2, 46:40 ***½:
(Sebastian Sternal – piano; Sebastisan Klose – upright bass; Axel Pape – drums, percussion; Anne-Marie Jean – vocals.)
The European jazz renaissance is in full swing. Spurred by a deep appreciation for the cool and bop American jazz legends, prodigies are studying jazz performance and composition. Pianist, composer and arranger Sebastian Sternal is among this echelon. He won several competitions, jazz and classical, while attending the prestigious Cologne Conservatory. As A student, he played with Dee Dee Bridgewater, John Riley, John Ruoco, and Mike Richmond At twenty-six, he has established himself as a bona fide jazz artist. He records with his trio, and is a highly regarded session player. Presently, Sternal shares his artistic passion as a guest lecturer at music academies, and is a piano instructor at the Federal Jazz Orchestra.
Paris, the latest release from the Sebastian Sternal Trio is a tribute to the inspirational city. Based on personal reflections of the different cultures, the seven original compositions are captured as musical sketches. The opening song, “Place Dauphine”, has a modern resonance, with a melodic and fluid piano lead, that fades into a drum cymbal hush at its conclusion. Guest vocalist Anne-Marie Jean’s upper register voice exudes an airy wistful manner, in self-penned lyrics (French, of course, but there are translations). “Prelude”, an introspective piece, mixes jazzy chords and restrained notation following a subtle intro on the bass by Sebastian Klose. The overall emotional impact is more noticeable on the instrumental pieces. “Les adieux”, a contemplative elegy to leaving his beloved Paris, showcases a haunting elegance and delicate touch by Sterner.
There are some moments of tempo on “Paname” with a buoyant jam, stylizing the city hustle and bustle. This composition is an effective vehicle for the trio, as a very harmonic progression segues into an adroit finish with bowed bass and drum. “Caravelle” explores a decidedly hard bop improvisation, with dissonant flourishes and rumbling percussion.
Stockfish continues to make impressive records with the use of Stereo SACD. [Although some are now multichannel…Ed.] Recorded live, the separation of the instruments is crisp and dynamic. The timbre of the high-pitched voice is mellow, not prickly. This is a trio with texture and imagination.
TrackList: Place Dauphine; Prelude; Les mains d’Elsa; Panama; Caravelle; Custine; Les adieux.
— Robbie Gerson
