Neon is the debut album from Canadian-derived, Brooklyn-residing pianist Andrew Boudreau, a New England Conservatory of Music product who has come out of the gate with his own conception of composition and group interplay. Along with fellow ex-NEC classmate Eviatar Slivnik (drums) and Berklee grads Neta Raanan and Simón Willson (bass), Boudreau made a quartet record that’s very harmonically developed but very listenable, too.
Boudreau adds more to his dynamic compositions by playing one side of his piano closely tied to what either the bass or sax is playing, enriching the melodicism as a result. When he solos — “Ribbons” is a great example — he does so with a nimbleness that serves the song, not for chops’ sake.
As the other front voice in the band, Neta Raanan’s tenor sax is standout for such a comforting and confident tone. This young woman’s saxophone possesses the old soul of Charles Lloyd and she is able to carry the melody so completely with a gentle touch, as exemplified on “Mile Ex” and “Maud Lewis.”
Thanks to Slivnik and Willson, “Ribbons” has a confident swing; they’re light ‘n’ lively as they give a lift to Raanan’s sax discourse. Boudreau has enough savvy in his composing to toss in a quick, knotted bridge that acts as a segue-way from Raanan’s lead into his. “One Day” puts in Willson and his pure, folkish bass in the spotlight and on the hushed “The Water’s Cold” he shines on both bowed and plucked bass.
More often than not, it’s the collectively everyone who make Boudreau’s songs come to life. Advanced chord changes frame “Ghost Stories,” changes over which Boudreau’s agile soloing pilots through like a champ. Ample time is also given Raanan to take the reins and she creates sparks helped along by a brawny rhythm section, and a finale with a different riff where Slivnik thunders underneath.
“Hopscotch” might refer to the asymmetrical rhythm pattern that drives the melody and Raanan’s staying so deep inside this somewhat elusive pocket is a treat to hear. Even very brief pieces like “Neon” and “Welcome Oak” are steeped in elaborate harmonies.
Andrew Boudreau puts the jazz world on notice his first time out with the thoughtful, fully realized quartet delight Neon. Neon is now being offered through Fresh Sound New Talent.
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