Forward Motion

by Scott YanowThis subtle set sneaks up on the listener, gradually building in tension and excitement. Pianist Fred Hersch varies the instrumentation on many of the tracks (only six of his originals use the full group) and the CD starts off with several quiet selections. But just as one thinks that they know what to expect on the rest of the session, up pops "Janeology" (a tribute to Jane Ira Bloom that is a rather spaced-out performance based on "Confirmation") and a driiving piece dedicated to Joe Henderson, "Phantom of the Bopera" (great title!). Using tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, cellist Erik Friedlander, bassist Scott Colley and drummer Tom Rainey in different settings (including an unusual cello-piano-percussion trio on "Frevo"), Fred Hersch is heard throughout the continually surprising date playing at the top of his form.