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Sean Fyfe: Stepping Stones

By Pierre Giroux
May 8, 2024
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In an era when the echoes of jazz legends resonate through the ages, pianist

Sean Fyfe

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Sean Fyfe emerges as a torchbearer of the hard-bop tradition with his latest release Stepping Stones . This album is a testament to the power of collaboration, as Fyfe is joined by the dynamic ensemble of tenor saxophonist

Dave O’Higgins

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave O��Higgins, drummer

Matt Fishwick

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Fishwick and bassist

Luke Fowler

bass
b.1984

" data-original-title="" title="">Luke Fowler, each of whom brings their unique talent and deep respect for those who came before.

In this eight-track outing of Fyfe originals and well-known popular standards, all arranged by Fyfe, the stage is set for the band to deliver hard-swinging grooves with finesse and flair. The opener is a Fyfe original, "See Ya!," a contrafact based on the

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk composition "Bye-Ya." O'Higgins's tenor unspools thoughtfully assertive phrases, followed by Fyfe's solo, a sharply splintered but flexible attack that showcases the band's energy and skill. The

Hoagy Carmichael

piano
1899 - 1981

" data-original-title="" title="">Hoagy Carmichael/

Johnny Mercer

composer / conductor
1909 - 1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Johnny Mercer ballad "Skylark" has an interesting back story in that originally Carmichael wrote the number as a tribute to trumpeter

Bix Beiderbecke

cornet
1903 - 1931

" data-original-title="" title="">Bix Beiderbecke and Mercer later added the lyrics which detailed his longing for actress Judy Garland. Supported by bassist Fowler's deep, dark, rich tone, Fyfe and O'Higgins develop their solos with a dogged curiosity about texture and dynamic effect.

"Just in Time" by composer Jule Styne, with lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, was introduced in the 1956 Broadway musical "Bells Are Ringing." The number is briskly paced, with drummer Matt Fishwick demonstrating his potent rhythmic line of attack. Fyfe and O'Higgins work together seamlessly and are unswervingly in the moment. The title track, "Stepping Stones," is another Fyfe original number. The enduring power of hard bop is evident from the opening notes of O'Higgins' indefatigable tenor, accompanied by Fyfe's bright and slashing piano coverage. Fishwick keeps the number percolating with assertive but tasteful exchanges with O'Higgins and Fyfe.

Neither

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington nor his composition "Prelude to a Kiss" was ever considered even slightly bop-ish. The band uses Ellington's musical frame to show their melodic and harmonic instincts with unscripted sophistication and interplay but not without structure. The closing track is a Fyfe number, "Skitch." This hard-bop blues-based line is replete with intense attack, rapid rhythmic phrasing, and a raw, unbridled energy that leaves a lasting impression.

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Track Listing

See Ya!; Skylark; Sweet and Lovely; Just in Time; Stepping Stones; Prelude to a Kiss; Without a Song; Skitch

Personnel

Sean Fyfe

piano

Dave O'Higgins

saxophone, tenor

Matt Fishwick

drums

Luke Fowler

bass

Album information

Title: Stepping Stones | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Cellar Music Group

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