September 2001

Sebastian Weiss Trio
Polaroid Memory
Fresh Sound New Talent

By Peter Margasak

German pianist Sebastian Weiss moved to New York in 1997 to study with the late Jaki Byard-the expat currently works with guitarist Rodney Jones-but on his debut album, Polaroid Memory, a much stronger stylistic signpost is Bill Evans' pretty introspection. There's an impressive chemistry happening with bassist Bob Bowen III and drummer Dan Weiss-no relation to Sebastia-but only on a few tunes does the group extend its reach rhythmically; it's a ballad-heavy collection. On the frenetic "Blues for a Brave Drummer" they engage in some fine rhythmic expansion and contraction, while the aptly named "Change of Pace" is fueled by some excellent piano-drum interplay.