There are a great many talented musicians working the jazz side of the street that go about their business with very little recognition nor do they really make the attempt to seek it out. These are names that may ring a bell if you read liner notes as voraciously as I do and occasionally you may see the odd solo release pop up for an all too short life expectancy on a small Independent label only for it to slowly fade into obscurity.
Maxjazz has the unique ability to find these stealth artists and release recordings that are virtually flawless across the board and David Budway's A New Kiss is certainly no exception. With a rhythm section anchored by Jeff "Tain" Watts and bassist Eric Revis, musical credibility is certainly a given. An eclectic mix of classic standards, show tunes and some top notch original compositions makes special guest Branford Marsalis, Marcus Strikland, Roy Affif and Joe "Sony" Barbato right at home in contribution to this rich sonic texture.
Budway's one of a kind sound may have something to do with his extensive classical training coupled with a life long exposure to the sounds of classical Arabic music while growing up in Pittsburgh. A uniquely personal recording with "Maintain Speed Through Tunnel" dedicated to drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, "Lonely Cane" a haunting ballad featuring Branford Marsalis steals a great deal of well deserved attention. The George and Ira Gershwin classic "Strike Up The Band" is a blistering swing, pumping new life into what for most pianists could have easily be a musical trip wire as a chosen tune. "Round Midnight" while performed at a slightly quicker tempo than some may be accustomed to is a virtuoso performance to delight the most discriminating of Monk disciples.
A thoroughly engaging and at times electrifying performance by one of the most gifted if not sadly overlooked pianists of our time. A New Kiss makes it easy to understand how such a dynamic talent caught the ear of Liza Minnelli with Budway going to perform with such jazz legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Pass and Jimmy Heath.
A release of three dimensional sound and texture, a musical tapestry that gives off new and subtle shades with each listen.
Tracks: Japanese Brunch; Lonely Cane; Strike Up The Band; Love You Tonight; Stinky; Round Midnight; Maintain Speed Through Tunnel; You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To; A New Kiss; Phi; Sama'I Shat Arabud.
Personnel: David Budway: piano; Eric Revis: bass; Jeff "Tain" Watts: drums; Branford Marsalis: soprano saxophone (2); Marcus Strickland: soprano saxophone ( 01,10,11,); Ron Affif: guitar (10,11); Joe "Sonny" Barbato: accordian (11).
A taste of David Budway from earlier this year.
