There are those who contend that the only way to have a serious career in music is to make it a full-time profession: a calling if you like. Pianist Denny Zeitlin who, for most of his adult life, has split his professional time between music and a psychiatric practice, is as good an argument as any against that philosophy. While he may not record as frequently as some, his career has been marked by an uncompromising devotion to his craft and its evolution. And the relative infrequency of recordings simply makes each new one all the more an event. Slickrock , recorded with bassist Buster Williams and drummer Matt Wilson, is just such an occasion, and proof that while music may not be his full-time occupation, it is a full-time obsession.
There are also those who contend that one’s personality comes out in the music, and in that regard they would be correct. Coming from the Bill Evans school of impressionism, Zeitlin nevertheless displays a sense of optimism, even on tender tunes like “Body and Soul”; an avid mountain biker, there is an energy and positivism permeating his music that can only come from someone who is in fine physical, mental and emotional condition.
And Zeitlin has picked his bandmates well. Williams’ resonant tone and elasticity of approach make him a fine foil. Wilson’s similarly pliable style and enthusiastic empathy create some of the more exciting moments on the record; the piano/drums duo in the middle of Zeitlin’s “Every Which Way” bristles with ideas and simpatico interplay.
The programme covers a lot of ground. Zeitlin contributes half the material, ranging from the romantic “Wishing on the Moon” to the lighthearted and joyful “Just Passing By.” The title track, which closes the album, traverses free territory, highly structured terrain and passages that are mere roadmaps to navigate the landscape, much like the Utah Canyonlands that were inspiration for the four-movement suite.
Through it all Zeitlin, Williams and Wilson perform with ease. Whether it is the up-tempo version of Wayne Shorter’s “E.S.P.” or “Sweet Georgia Brown,” taken as a slow 6/8 and so reharmonized as to be nearly unrecognizable, the trio demonstrates contrasting power and subtlety, strength and elegance, always with a strong commitment.
It has been seven years since Zeitlin’s last recording, nine if one considers recordings available in North America; but if anything he continues to get stronger. He has always shown a remarkable focus, but in Slickrock he has created one of his strongest efforts to date. While one could wish for more frequent releases from Zeitlin, if this is the result of such a lengthy hiatus, maybe things should stay just the way they are. - John Kelman
Denny Zeitlin has worked with various trios over his long career and he has likely found the ideal rhythm section with bassist Buster Williams and drummer Matt Wilson. It doesn't take long for them to break away from the predictable path through "You and the Night and the Music," as each of them finds adventurous lines within their respective roles. "Put Your Little Foot Out," forever associated with Miles Davis, is transformed into a slow waltz with a bit of dark undertone. Zeitlin adds a touch of mystery with his unusual introduction to "It Could Happen to You," taking his time to gradually work into its theme. His odd rhythmic approach is achieved by constantly shifting the meter, as well as the numerous shifts in the key, setting it well apart from other interpretations. The pianist's moving solo improvisation segues into the standard "Body and Soul," which he also re-harmonizes. Zeitlin is equally creative as a composer. This is his first recording of "Just Passing By" to include a drummer, though Wilson sticks to brushes to add a jaunty air not present in previous renditions. But the highlight of this CD is the brilliant four part suite "Slickrock," named for a favorite mountain biking trail which Zeitlin and his wife enjoy. "Dawn: Gathering" suggests the challenges ahead, mixing composed passages with free improvisation. The wild ride begins with the roller coaster "On the Trail," with Williams' powerful solo suggesting regular obstacles integrated with the pianist's hairpin turns. "Recovery" gives the musicians a chance to catch their collective breath, though the journey is hardly over, as Williams' tense arco bass, "Wilson"'s insistent hand percussion, and the leader's mix of played and strummed piano chords indicate. "On the Trial Again" reprises the second movement, punctuated by Wilson's brilliant percussion backed by Zeitlin's vamp, leaving the listener almost as out of breath as a biker completing a trip through the actual trail itself. "Slickrock" alone makes the investment in this Denny Zeitlin CD worthwhile, though every track proves to be equally memorable. - Ken Dryden
Tracks
01. You And The Night And The Music (Schwartz & Dietz)
02. Wishing On The Moon (Denny Zeitlin)
03. Every Which Way (Denny Zeitlin)
04. Put Your Little Foot Right Out (Larry Spier)
05. It Could Happen To You (Jimmy Van Heusen/Johnny Burke)
06. Body And Soul (Johnny Green)
07. Sweet Georgia Brown (Bernie/Casey/Pinkard)
08. E.S.P. (Wayne Shorter)
09. Just Passing By (Denny Zeitlin)
SLICK ROCK (Denny Zeitling)
10. Dawn; Gathering
11. On The Trail
12. Recovery
13. On The Trail Again
BUSTER WILLIAMS bass
MATTS WILSON drums
DENNY ZEITLIN piano
Recorded August 23-24, 2003 at Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, NY
MAXJAZZ-MXJ 209