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Frank Kimbrough: Solstice

By Budd Kopman
December 17, 2016
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Pianist

Frank Kimbrough

piano
1956 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Frank Kimbrough's latest offering, Solstice on the Pirouet label, is a joy from beginning to end.

Pirouet is the home of some other fine piano trios, including those of

Marc Copland

piano
b.1948

" data-original-title="" title="">Marc Copland (see Some Love Songs, Modinha, Voices and Night Whispers).

Copland, arguably working from the

Bill Evans

piano
1929 - 1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Evans aesthetic is, of course, quite different than Kimbrough, who resides much more within the aesthetic of

Paul Bley

piano
1932 - 2016

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Bley, who worked with and influenced many players including

Satoko Fujii

piano
b.1958

" data-original-title="" title="">Satoko Fujii (see Something About Water).

Indeed, the allure of Solstice is its very "Bley-ishness" which is combined with a deep ruminative intensity as well as a strong sense of a personal statement being made.

The recording has much in common with drummer

Jeff Cosgrove

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Cosgrove's Conversations With Owls, besides both including Kimbrough, in that both trios had little or no preparation and just played, recording the first takes. While Kimbrough came with tunes, Cosgrove just asked for the feeling of space. Thus both recordings were made in the moment and are a testament to the sensitivity and musical reflexes of the performers. Bassist

Jay Anderson

bass
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Jay Anderson and drummer

Jeff Hirshfield

drums
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Hirshfield have both known Kimbrough a long time and the trio plays as one.

The choice of compositions is also very telling. The title (and longest) tune is by Kimbrough's life partner

Maryanne de Prophetis

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Maryanne de Prophetis and which has a melody that somehow never ends. There are two gorgeous tunes by the enigmatic

Annette Peacock

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Annette Peacock ("El Cordobes" and "Albert's Love Theme" -see An Acrobat's Heart). "The Sunflower" by

Paul Motian

drums
1931 - 2011

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Motian fits right in Kimbrough's predilection for the harmonies and lines of Bley.

Maria Schneider

composer / conductor

" data-original-title="" title="">Maria Schneider, in whose orchestra Kimbrough has long played, is represented by "Walking By Flashlight" which appeared on her most recent and highly acclaimed project The Thompson Fields.

Magnificent and magical music, highly emotional and deeply felt.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Seven; Here Come The Honey Man; Solstice; The Sunflower; Albert's Love Theme; Question's The Answer; From California With Love; El Cordobes; Walking By Flashlight.

Personnel

Frank Kimbrough

piano

Frank Kimbrough: piano; Jay Anderson: bass; Jeff Hirshfield: drums.

Album information

Title: Solstice | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Pirouet Records

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