By Ric Bang
Buy CD: In the Nature of Things
I was introduced to
this performer while reviewing an earlier album — We’re Here to Listen — about three years ago. She was good then, and she’s
better now.
Pintchik began as a
literature teacher at Columbia University, then became a jazz pianist and
composer; I described her style at that time as “genteel jazz.” Well,
she’s less genteel now, and swings a lot more.
This album features
a sextet: Pintchik is backed by an alto and soprano saxophonist,
trumpet/flugelhornist, bassist, drummer and another percussionist. Eight
of the nine tracks are her own; the only standard is Lerner & Lowe’s “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” That tune is done as a ballad, as
are many of her originals; the remaining up-tempo swingers demonstrate how far
she has moved into a style that truly burns. She has left the Marion
McPartland approach behind, currently resides Bill Carrothers’ neighborhood,
and is approaching early Bill Evans.
Pintchik has a delicate
touch on the keyboard, a characteristic that’s particularly effective on the
tempos she seems to favor. She also has a style that intermixes single-note
melodic lines with chords played with both hands, following the same lines she
initially established with that expressive right hand. It’s a technique
that forces a listener’s attention; you always want to hear what she’s going to
play next.
Her previous albums
have utilized smaller groups (trios and quartets). She has increased the
instrumentation to include reed and brass horns on this release; that expands
the complexity of her compositions and arrangements, which I find quite
pleasing.
So
far, she limits her performances to New York City and closely surrounding
areas. Tell you what: I promise to go back to school, for a remedial course in
English literature, if she’ll broaden her arena to include some venues on the
West Coast!
