Danny Grissett - Travelogue

With an abundance of fresh, new jazz trio albums in today’s pool of listening, finding one that ticks all the boxes and that has an extra ‘something’ can be somewhat of a mission. But, for our Recording of the Week today, you’ll be pleased to know that this trio album seems to be something of a strong contender. With the ensemble consisting of Vicente Archer on bass and Bill Stewart on drums (his recent April release of  https://www.prestomusic.com/jazz/products/9764254--live-at-the-village-vanguard" rel="nofollow - Danny Grissett may be known to some already through his work with the likes of trumpeters  https://www.prestomusic.com/jazz/artists/7092--jeremy-pelt" rel="nofollow - Jeremy Pelt  and  https://www.prestomusic.com/jazz/artists/6982--tom-harrell" rel="nofollow - Tom Harrell , his sympathetic and flexible piano style a perfect fit for their style of composition, solo playing, and musical vision. There’s plenty of that same flexibility in Travelogue; Grissett is more than happy to make room for Archer and Stewart to take centre stage, though there’s also an opportunity for him to step into the spotlight in a way that a supporting role just doesn’t allow. What most stands out in Grissett’s solo playing across this album is not an ambitious or flamboyant demonstration of technical prowess, but his sensitivity on the keys and his delicacy of musical feeling. His expression comes from subtlety and precise execution, and he remains heartfelt and authentic in his sound.  

To prove the point, the first track ‘Long Way Home’ sets up the light and flowing style of Grissett’s piano. Stewart only enhances the sound through his superbly responsive drumming, making full use of the kit. It’s worth mentioning that Stewart really shines as a whole on this album, his drumming pulsing with a quiet energy that never goes so far as to intrude on the overall sound. ‘Picture in Picture’ begins with some high drifting chords polarised with some bassier phrases from the piano, and the piece slowly unfurls from there. We move into a slightly pacier section with a driving and rhythmic groove, before Archer performs a bass solo that is built on space and a considerable amount of softness. It’s got to be said that Grissett’s sympathetic style is a real asset for moments like these, and he seems to instinctively know when to sit back and when to jump to the forefront - undoubtedly the qualities of a very conscientious bandleader.

One of the very few covers performed by this ensemble is the 1950s tune ‘Here’s That Rainy Day’ by Jimmy Van Heusen. In keeping with the style of the album, it’s elegantly performed, the colour coming from the details for those who are prepared to listen out for it. The album concludes with a Grissett original, ‘Spin Cycle’, that begins with a sense of energy that propels the melody along. As one of the livelier tracks, the soloing from Grissett still features that same sensitivity, but it’s undoubtedly alive and vibrating with spirit. 

On Travelogue the whole ensemble is a cohesive unit, all three musicians instinctively knowing as a collective where to take each tune. This album won’t be so obvious as to hit you over the head with a whirlwind of intensity, but it may just win you over through understated authority, authenticity and whole lot of elegance. 

Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV

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