The Brubeck family legacy continues with this wonderful recording. If you are looking for great jazz, you have come to the right place with this new recording. The sons of the legendary Dave Brubeck and the rest of their ensemble offer a fantastic group of selections that showcase their expert playing as individuals and as an ensemble. This is jazz in its finest form: exciting, expertly played, full of life, supremely musical and energetic.
The nicest surprise on this disc is the incredible playing of 21-year old “Special Guest” Taylor Eigsti. He has a mature playing style, obvious comfort at the keyboard, and an impressive command of the instrument. Taylor met the Brubeck family about ten years ago when his mother took him backstage after a concert, and the rest is history. Taylor started playing the piano at age four and made his professional debut a mere four years later as an opening act for jazz pianist David Benoit. He has been recording his own CDs since he was 14 years old. Now, that’s impressive. Even at his young age, Taylor Eigsti has compiled a notable playing record in such places as the Ravinia Festival, the Elkhart Jazz Festival, Monterey, and JazzTimes cruises. Apparently, Dan and Chris Brubeck have served as mentors for this young man, and no wonder. Judging from the musical contribution that Taylor made to this recording, I’m sure it was more than an even exchange.
This is the kind of jazz that makes you happy from the first minute of the first track. It is comfortable, well planned-out playing that still retains the important elements of suspense and inventiveness for the listener. The bass and guitar sounds are a delightful combination of smooth and sharp that will treat the listener to enough variety to keep the interest going until the very end of each selection and beyond. Dan Brubeck’s drums are the perfect foundation for it all. Each of the fine musicians on the disc get their chance to shine on the various songs; and they all combine to make a solid musical partnership. My favorite track? All of them. So, go buy this CD, settle into your favorite listening place and enjoy! What a way to start the New Year – with spirit-lifting jazz!
Tracklist: West Of One, Sahara Moon, Parade Du Funk, Bullwinkle’s Revenge, Still As Winter, Open Door, Jump Up, Get Down, Easy For You To Pray, Change Up
– Ann Stahmer
