Joshua Espinoza Trio: Journey Into Night

Sometimes familiarity breeds a comfort feel, kind of like your favourite chair, just settle in and enjoy the moment. Jazzer Joshua Espinoza, pianist/composer/educator, gives off that comfort feeling on his debut album Journey Into Night. That joy and comfort can be felt on the Burt Bacharach classic “Always Something There to Remind Me�, an excellent album opener. A tinkling of keys leads into the familiar melody as the rest of the trio apply their own subtle touches, including an outstanding performance from drummer Jaron Lamar Davis. Through the song’s near seven minutes the band plays superbly including piano and bass solo spots. Bassist Mikel Combs is absolutely brilliant here, his bass lines fluid and dynamic. From there the trio continues to dive into classic material, this time redoing The Beatles’ “In My Life�, originally found on their Rubber Soul album from 1965. Here the piano comes to life in this brilliant rendition. The groove slips and slides while Espinoza applies his creative piano touches. You also get another fine bass solo. Midway through we have Strayhorn’s “Take the A Train�, another fine choice. The Eagles’ “Desperado� is the last of the covers and ends the disc in a calm and relaxed fashion, clearly one of the album’s most beautiful moments. In between you get one traditional and four originals, all worthy in their own right.

Journey Into Night is trio jazz at its finest; beautiful melodies and tight ensemble playing, all with a creative edge that is easily absorbed and appreciated. An excellent independent release.

Track Listing:
1. Always Something There to Remind Me (6:47)
2. In My Life (6:49)
3. Streetlight Serenade (8:16)
4. Nocturne for Anna Marie (7:23)
5. Take the A Train (4:56)
6. Shenandoah (7:25)
7. Unwelcome Dream (6:28)
8. Birdsong (4:28)
9. Desperado (7:48)

Added: September 21st 2019
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 888
Language: english

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