Matsumoto, Gary

SP Records, 2008, CD
Instrument: Piano

Issue: 14.3

Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
O's Jazz Ruler

Performance: 5
Performance Chart

Sound: 4
Sound Chart

Score:
Score Chart

O’s Notes: This is pianist Matsumoto’s first album as a leader and it is a winner! His trio includes bassist Henry “Skipper” Franklin and drummer Tony Austin. Both are polished veterans who help make the music sing. Gary opens with Monk’s “Four in One” and does a fine job with it getting our blood circulating. He ends with the same intensity playing “But Not for Me”. The rest of the program is a good mix of originals and covers. Matsumoto moves across the keys in a definitive fashion on “Sachi’s Waltz” then dances with the melody on “Generations” while Skipper walks his bass. We enjoyed all 8:50 of it! We hope to hear more with Matsumoto leading. In the mean time, this one will stay in our listening rotation.

BUY NOW

Publicist: Skipper Productions