There are piano trios, and then there are piano trios. As they say. And this is one of the latter. This program finds three of the best playing a mix of originals and works from the jazz canon with deep sympathy and synchronicity.
Fred Hersch is one of the most respected musicians and pianists of his or any generation. He’s been a fixture since the ’80s, and has played with, taught and influenced innumerable pianists. The same can be said of bassist Gress and drummer Baron, both of whom have a long history with Hersch, although this, Hersch’s third leader date for ECM, is the first time they’ve played as a unit. But you wouldn’t know it.
Hersch excels at the inward gesture and mood, and there’s plenty of that here, especially on his originals. The title track, new to this project, is one of the loveliest melodies you’ll hear this or any year. The closing number “Anticipation,” also new, is a Latin influenced groove that showcases Baron’s exquisite brushwork and Gress’s sheer melodicism, both of which complement Hersch’s joyful keyboard romp. This one definitely goes on my 2025 jazz favorites playlist. And the opener “Plainsong,” a familiar tune from previous recordings, is deeply meditative, its aura enhanced by Gress’ and Baron’s contributions.
Things are a bit looser on the covers, highlighted by a sketchy post-bop arrangement of the Gershwins’ “Embraceable You,” which to my ear blends Bill Evans colors with Thelonious Monk playfulness. Even more experimental is a focused treatment of Ornette Coleman’s “Law Years,” a real workout for the rhythm section. The playful cover of Egberto Gismonti’s “Palhaço” is a welcome upbeat moment, and a reverential reading of Charlie Haden’s “First Song” showcases Gress’s sensitive and lyrical plucking on a generous solo intro.
This trio along with producer Manfred Eicher have laid out a primer for the piano trio form, with standards, well chosen covers and excellent originals, all played with verve and sensitivity. I’ve had the privelege of seeing Joey Baron at work in a trio with Jakob Bro and Thomas Morgan — how I’d love to see this trio at work as well.
(ECM, 2025)
