feature photo: Mandy Berry
When an accomplished bandleader, composer, accompanist pianist steps into venerated trio framework for the first time, it’s time to pay close attention. Our video above premiering the title track of a brand new album reveals Bryn Roberts more than capable in this new role.
Aloft is Roberts’ sixth release as a leader (his first one got mention on this site back in 2013), but here is his first time out heading up a trio. Matt Penman (bass) and Quincy Davis (drums) round it out, two perfect choices as they are as sensitive, precise performers as is the leader.
As five of the seven pieces on Aloft are originals compositions, Roberts reveals nuance, grace and purposefulness in his music. Though it’s jazz — and fine jazz at that — he’s picked up a lot from collaborating with Dar Williams, Roseanne Cash and Shawn Colvin about crafting songs with depth, and “Aloft” is no exception. This waltz does that using broad intervallic leaps and delivered with precise touch and tone that serves the strain well.
Aloft, the album, will be released worldwide on September 27, 2024 via Elastic Recordings.
Pre-order/order Aloft from Bandcamp.
- Bryn Roberts, “Aloft” from ‘Aloft’ (2024): Video Premiere - September 20, 2024
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- On the Genius (and Ubiquitousness) of Saxophonist David Sanborn - May 13, 2024
