Masterful trio interplay reliant on deeply honed three-way communication and a refined sense of understatement make Fred Hersch’s third recording for ECM an essential entry into the piano trio canon. Hersch tackles a handful of 20th century compositions – spanning from standards to less frequented jazz tunes – as well as three originals, with Drew Gress on bass and Joey Baron on drums – two longstanding companions of Fred’s who have played with him on and off since the late 80s and early 90s respectively.
“I feel that on this record you really hear the history,” the pianist notes. “I hope that people can feel the maturity of the interaction, the sonic world and the sensitivity at play.” Fred’s own pieces are striking in their lyrical intensity,…