Gilson Schachnik: Raw

Sao Paolo’s Gilson Schachnik plays sturdy piano, sensitive to harmonic turnbacks and reveling in the material’s lyrical evocations. While I’m amused that he’s hyped as “an artist for the 21st century,” there’s no denying his command of eclectic resources transforms well to straightahead Brazilian-flavored jazz. No electric keyboards and dead-end modalities here. Raw will delight serious listeners. Schachnik’s arrangements for three Jobim songs and four originals showcase the lighter urgencies of trumpeter Claudio Roditi on “Pedra Verde” and “Triste,” and ex-Messenger tenor Bill Pierce for “Nanica.” Jazz trio with percussion performs “Aqua de Beber,’ and the trio alone swings “Corcovado.” Of two Hermeto dedications, Schachnik deftly paces off-speed on the spirited tango “Hermetiana #1” while sustaining the brisk samba on “#2.” Alto soloist Miguel Zenon joins both with accordionist Evan Harlan-we should hear more from both! A strong debut, but not so many piano out-choruses.

Originally Published December 1, 1998