DAVID KIKOSKI TRIO

WEEKEND AT SMALLS

Cellar Music

David Kikoski, piano/composer/arranger; Joe Martin, bass; Billy Hart, drums; Randy Brecker, trumpet/composer.

The piano of David Kikoski opens this concert with the soulful drums of Billy Hart spurring him forward.  Suddenly the trumpet of Randy Brecker is on the scene, bright and imaginative.  He’s their special guest.  Brecker harmonizes with the piano line, while they trade fours with Joe Martin’s walking bass and Billy Hart’s drums.  The concert begins with imagination and energy, led by the pianist’s incredible post-bop fire. The drums of Billy Hart tickle and encourage the Kikoski arrangement.

David Kikoski is a respected and legendary composer and piano master, especially in the New York City jazz arena.  He joins old friends for this “Weekend at Smalls” recording. Back in 1986, Kikoski worked with Randy Brecker on the album, “In the Idiom” with Joe Henderson and Al Foster.  In 1987, he joined talents with Billy Hart on Ralph Moore’s “623 C Street” album.

Kikoski brings his composer talents to the forefront on this recent project.  He has written the opening tune called “Winney’s Garden” and the second track, “Shadow” that lilts along like a slight Latin swing.  Joe Martin takes an extended double bass solo during this arrangement.  Kikoski sits stage center at his grand piano, exploring all the keys and entertaining us with his creativity and technical abilities.

Randy Brecker contributed Track #3, “There’s a Mingus a Monk Us.”  Needless to say, the melodic structure and arrangement brings Thelonious Monk’s genius to mind, while at the same time remembering and tributing Charles Mingus.

This talented pianist has been praised and celebrated by several notable names in the jazz world. Chick Corea said, when Kikoski played he displayed “sparkling brilliance.”  Herbie Hancock recognized Kikoski’s innovative contributions to contemporary jazz and Pat Metheny highlighted David’s technical proficiency and emotional depth.  Joshua Redman and Dave Holland both noted Kikoski’s ability to cross and blend genres. Kikoski can play it all!

On this project, David Kikoski brings us over an hour of straight-ahead sparkle that illuminates this SmallsLIVE Living Masters Series. According to his publicist, this is David Kikoski’s love letter to the New York jazz community.  I’d like to add, it’s also his love letter to the world, offering a quality presentation that not only entertains, but lifts my spirit and touches my heart.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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