Greg Reitan - Daybreak '2011

Tracks list

Tracklist:

[1:35] 01. Greg Reitan - Daybreak
[2:43] 02. Greg Reitan - Once Upon A Summertime
[5:38] 03. Greg Reitan - Monks Mood
[4:40] 04. Greg Reitan - Five Four
[6:35] 05. Greg Reitan - The Bells Of Soledad
[3:50] 06. Greg Reitan - Toy Tune
[4:58] 07. Greg Reitan - Chelsea Bridge
[3:07] 08. Greg Reitan - Iridescence
[8:54] 09. Greg Reitan - Blue In Green
[4:27] 10. Greg Reitan - The Great Pumpkin Waltz
[6:12] 11. Greg Reitan - Lament

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Greg Reitan has continued to grow as a pianist with each successive CD for
Sunnyside. His third release for the label is once again a trio date with
bassist Jack Daro and drummer Dean Koba. The obvious benefit of using a working
group is that it is inevitably better prepared when entering the recording
studio. One can hear numerous influences in the pianists playing, but he isnt a
clone of any of them, finding his own voice whether playing a timeless ballad or
a breezy original. Reitan shows a surprising maturity for an artist still in his
thirties, finding new ways to voice familiar songs. His rendition of Michel
Legrands Once Upon a Summertime is a masterful, restrained performance of under
three minutes. His interpretation of Thelonious Monks Monks Mood brings out its
often neglected lyricism, with his trio pretty much staying in the background.
Reitan is able to give even an oft-recorded gem like Billy Strayhorns Chelsea
Bridge a fresh setting that avoids the typical approaches. The pianists
beautifully improvised introduction to Blue in Green is impressionistic without
tipping its hand immediately as to its final destination; once Reitan reveals
the modal masterpieces theme, he takes it from a ballad setting into breezy bop.
Reitans originals are just as impressive. His inventive, twisting Five Four has
the energy of Denny Zeitlins work, a intriguing, shape-shifting performance with
Daro and Koba providing the fuel for his flight. His infectious jig-like
Iridescence is a rapid-fire bop vehicle showcasing Kobas excellent brushwork.
Greg Reitan is ample proof that there are still plenty of possibilities playing
with a jazz piano trio.

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