Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Sharon Minemoto: Dark Night, Bright Stars

Sharon Minemoto: Dark Night, Bright Stars

By Jack Bowers
November 19, 2023
View read count

Dark Night, Bright Stars, the second recording by Vancouver, Canada-based pianist

Sharon Minemoto

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Sharon Minemoto and her well-knit quartet, has no need for unseemly frills or flourishes. This is simply clear, plain-spoken contemporary jazz, ably performed by Minemoto and her talented teammates.

The album's dozen numbers, all written and arranged by Minemoto, are tasteful and engaging, as is her work at the keyboard, which is never short of inventive and pleasing. The same can be said of tenor saxophonist

Jon Bentley

saxophone, tenor
b.1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Jon Bentley whose solos are consistently admirable. Bassist

Darren Radtke

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Darren Radtke and drummer

Bernie Arai

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Bernie Arai are similarly perceptive and self-assured, lending the quartet the aura of a working group, which it is.

The quartet is present on all but one number, "For

Bob Murphy

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Murphy," Minemoto's lovely solo tribute to the late Vancouver-based pianist. Other dedications are to the late singer Natasha D'Agostino ("Alexandra") and Minemoto's partner in biking and other pursuits, Dean Wautier ("Bike Path"). As noted, Minemoto is a splendid writer, and her compositions are never less than charming. Having said that, neither is any of them more than utilitarian. In other words, they serve Minemoto's quartet well but any staying power beyond that is debatable.

The album's opening number, "As Luck Would Have It," sets the compass, as Minemoto favors moderate to leisurely tempos, at which she and her piano are most at home. That is fine as everyone thrives in that laid-back environment while Minemoto's tunes are pleasing to the ears. A buoyant and amiable session that is definitely worth one's time.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

As Luck Would Have It; Alexandra(For Natasha); Letters From The Midwest; Bike Path(For Dean); Dark Night, Bright Stars; Color Contrast; The Scenic Route; Supermoon; For Bob Murphy; House From The Dream; Good Hearts; Changes.

Personnel

Sharon Minemoto

piano

Jon Bentley

saxophone, tenor

Darren Radtke

bass, acoustic

Bernie Arai

drums

Album information

Title: Dark Night, Bright Stars | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Cellar Music Group

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Rising Sun
< Previous

Some jazz with Shai Jacek, Ollie Usi...
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.