Pianist Lynne Arriale has earned widespread media acclaim for her rich lyricism, harmonic sophistication, abundant passion and fine art of improvisation. For her third DMP album, Arriale resummons bassist Drew Gress and drummer Steve Davis, who deliver stately mainstream jazz similar to their 1995 CD, When You Listen.
Arriale’s approach on the six romantic standards and three originals of With Words Unspoken is neither too fanciful nor too progressive. She knows her stuff. Bolstered with a masters degree in classical training from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Arriale triumphs in the jazz idiom, conveying fresh ideas with sensibly lean phrasing, pleasing harmonies and unexpected rhythmic twists.
Arriale achieves her goal of “lively conversation” with Davis, a creative drummer who sculpts each tune with grandeur, and Gress, a warm, compatible and lissome innovator.
Whether mining standards or mapping originals, this exceptional trio maintains an observant edge, improvising cleverly on classics such as Gillespie’s “Woody ‘n You,” Monk’s “Think Of One,” Jimmy Rowles’ “The Peacocks,” and Gershwin’s, “I Loves You Porgy.”
A magnificent album! – Nancy Ann Lee
Lynne Arriale Trio: With Words Unspoken
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