Ed Thigpen: It’s Entertainment

The veteran drummer, recorded at the Copenhagen JazzHouse, leads two natives of his adopted Denmark in a fine trio date. His subtle interaction with pianist Carsten Dahl and bassist Jesper Bodilsen reflects Thigpen’s dedication to the standards of the Oscar Peterson Trio, of which he was an important part for several years. The sensitive recording allows Thigpen’s ensemble wizardry with brushes and cymbals to be easily heard. In his solos on brushes, and those using mallets, the melodic content is as important as the rhythmic. Dynamics are an essential part of the equation, and you can almost hear the three listening as they accommodate one another’s shifts. Dahl is capable of fleetness in the Peterson mold, but his individuality is most pronounced at tempos that allow emphasis of his touch and harmonic sensibility. His composition “Meaning” provides one example, an exquisite one-chorus “Body and Soul” another. This rare appearance of Thigpen on record is doubly welcome because of his introduction of two fine young players. It is interesting that the Danish audience for this quiet, polished music adds whistles and shouts to its applause, a dreadful American practice apparently making its way around the world.

Originally Published May 1, 2000