Tad Weed Soloing / Ottawa X PRESS
Detroit piano player Tad Weed is a bright and lyrical improviser who recalls the energy and zest of contemporary players like Joanne Brackeen.
Clifford Brown's uptempo "Joyspring" is perhaps his strongest solo performance. Weed revels in the challenges posed by Brown's melody and explores them at dazzling tempos. His technique also commands the trio sides, from the buoyant swing and surging intensity of "I've Never Been In Love Before" to a cooking version of Wayne Shorter's "Lester Left Town". Two of Weed's originals show off the trio at their best. "A Glance That Billy Gave" is suspenseful drama that explores every aspect of Weed's expansive lyricism, from lush mid-tempo grooves and tricky post-bop passages to uptempo swing. Drummer Pat La Barbera and Weed burn up the changes while Ken Filiano's arco bass make a rich impression at an impossible tempo.
This driving trio performance concludes a very satisfying hour of solid jazz.
David Lewis