By Ric Bang
Buy CD: An Appropriate Response, Volume 1
Some
background is in order:
A
Google search on the name “Brian Fielding” yielded numerous results: one for an
attorney, another for a business network, and others for a petitioner, a
partner in a law firm, a sports executive, a new business company, and still
more. And, yes, one for a pianist/composer. Guess what? They’re all the same
individual: a living Walter Mitty.
Fielding
was living in Montclair, New Jersey, when drummer Ali Jackson — taking a pleasant
walk — happened to pass his house. Jackson heard some tasty jazz piano emanating
from within, stopped to listen, then decided to find out who was responsible. He
and Fielding chatted, and then Jackson returned later with some musician
friends, including tenor saxist Mike Lee and bassist Andy McKee. Just like
that, a quartet was formed.
Fielding
composed all the charts featured on this release, which also demonstrates his
chops as an accomplished jazz pianist. The music is Zen-like — a term used by Jackson
— as opposed to straight-ahead jazz: contemplative, light, soft and swinging
stuff that’ll make you smile (and quite happy). Some of the charts are
balladic; others are more up-tempo. The arrangements
provide a lot of space for solos, after a basic theme is established; each
musician delivers some wonderful passages.
I
wasn’t previously familiar with the musical Mr. Fielding and his friends; this album
has changed that. Give this group a try; you’re bound to enjoy the result.
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