Hong Kong native and University of North Texas grad Teriver Cheung reveals a gentle touch and a mature, composerly approach on his first recording as a leader. Accompanied by bassist Linda Oh, alto saxophonist Andrew Gould and his former North Texas schoolmate Ross Pederson on drums, guitarist Cheung (a onetime child prodigy on piano) demonstrates an impressive command of his instrument, though his chops are tempered by his penchant for warm-toned lyricism and team play, as on the opener “Fragile,” the lightly swinging, waltz-time number “Wishes,” the graceful rubato number “Caught Up” and the title track. Other highlights include a radically reharmonized, rhythmically reconfigured version of the Johnny Mercer-Hoagy Carmichael gem “Skylark,” and a beautiful rendition of the Romanian folksong “Mocirita,” with inspired solos by Oh, Gould and Cheung.
Originally PublishedTeriver Cheung: My Nocturne
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