Bill O’Connell – Triple Play

Savant 2089

Significantly younger than the genre umbrella it falls under, Latin jazz has still been a relatively static art form for decades. Pianist Bill O’Connell recognizes the inherent circumscription and opts to work creatively within it. The approach and feel of the date is akin to Herbie Hancock’s classic Inventions & Dimensions album, where syncopated rhythmic patterns fall into the service of more porous melodic and harmonic forms. O’Connell splits the set almost evenly between covers and originals, the latter indigenous category blending easily with the former and open-ended enough for productive improvisation. Flautist Dave Valentin and conguero Richie Flores are instrumental in bringing both brio and seasoning to the pieces. Valentin is the pianist’s regular employer and their professional relationship dates back over two decades and eleven albums. His funky acrobatic style recalls facets Bobbi Humphrey’s mellifluousness and Roland Kirk’s temerity. No cloying mood music here and the vibrant melodic streak in his improvisations gives the trio an aerated insouciance that’s instantly appealing. Peppering trills, intervallic swoops and forceful vocalizations are all part of the encompassing palette, but he also knows when to play it cool as during the eloquent ballad “A Call for Sanity”. “Machu Picchu” finds him pulling in audible Andean elements while “Cravo e Canela” touches inventively on Brazilian aspects. From his corner, Flores palms vibrantly percolating polyrhythms on his principal set of skins, but also turns to cajon and timbales on a few cuts for added color. O’Connell alternates deftly between responsive comping and enthusiastic soloing, evincing particular sensitivity on two duet encounters with his colleagues. The absence of bass is noticeable, but hardly a problem given the degree to which the three cover the ensemble bases. I have to confess to having felt less than optimistic prior spinning the disc. Nuanced but also direct, the music pulls the plug on such prejudices in short order.

~ Derek Taylor