Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Todd Zimberg with Michael Gotz and Perry Thoorsell: An A...

Todd Zimberg with Michael Gotz and Perry Thoorsell: An Afternoon in Sellwood

By Jack Bowers
February 9, 2022
View read count

Todd Zimberg with Michael Gotz and Perry Thoorsell: An Afternoon in Sellwood

Sellwood, for those who may have been wondering, is a Portland, Oregon neighborhood, the home base—more or less—of drummer

Todd Zimberg

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Todd Zimberg and his bandmates, pianist

Michael Gotz

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Gotz and bassist

" data-original-title="" title="">Perry Thoorsell. Based on its playing time, Zimberg's debut album as leader, An Afternoon in Sellwood, could have borne the title A Half Hour in Sellwood. Well, thirty-one minutes, to be more precise.

That said, Zimberg's trio makes the most of that concise time, thanks to inspired blowing, engaging charts (presumably by Zimberg) and an astute choice of material (four enduring standards from the Great American Songbook and

Horace Silver

piano
1928 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Horace Silver's bop era classic, "Nica's Dream"). The standards are "There Is No Greater Love," "Alone Together," "On Green Dolphin Street" and the memorable "Stella by Starlight." Gotz, of course, is the lyric fulcrum, although Thoorsell carries the melody on "Alone Together" and everyone, as would be expected on a trio date, helps shoulder the improvisational load.

Speaking of which, none of the solos is less than proficient. None, on the other hand, is likely to turn any heads. We have three talented musicians who love what they are doing and give the music the best they have to offer. Zimberg and Thoorsell are rhythmically adept, while Gotz knows the keyboard well and listens earnestly when it is his turn to lend support. Thoorsell's sound is broad and resonant, Zimberg's timekeeping sturdy yet compliant. Together, they make sure that An Afternoon in Sellwood— or even a part of one—is a pleasant and rewarding experience.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

There Is No Greater Love; Alone Together; On Green Dolphin Street; Nica��s Dream; Stella by Starlight.

Personnel

Todd Zimberg

drums

Michael Gotz

piano

Perry Thoorsell

bass, acoustic

Album information

Title: An Afternoon in Sellwood | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Spring Beach Music

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Songs for a Shed
< Previous

Festival Music Unlimited 35 In Wels,...
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.