For Dewey

Since his early days with the pop-rap group Digable Planets, pianist Peter Delano's excursion into modern jazz has been full of rainbows and potholes. A handful of recordings for the Verve label were issued, with ensuing time spent studying at Columbia University. In 2004, a severe and near fatal spinal injury left Delano unable to play piano. Well before the affliction, this CD was recorded in 1996, but never released. Delano's maturity as a modern contemporary pianist is clearly evident, as he weaves wondrous golden post-bop messages of sonic substance. His fluidity and acumen are formidable, his ideas overflowing but not overbearing. On his three featured tracks, tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman's post-John Coltrane sound brings his vintage and progressive notions to bear, while losing none of the original voice he made so precious. Three standards with just the trio are all started slowly then ramped up, including a careful approach integrated into a bass walking take of "For All We Know," and an expected regretful piano during "Everytime We Say Goodbye," eleven minutes of stretched out discourse displaying the refined interpretive powers of Delano. Redman (who died in 2006, ten years after this date) joins on the sad, overpatient ballad "Too Long to Wait"; he's focused and reserved, but not lacking emotional depth for "Zoning," and works the effortless, slight tune "Sound Spirits" to a polished sheen. Delano offers advanced phrasings on the hard bopper "Inner Limits," showing his love of Chick Corea-cum-Bud Powell, as a flawless performer who can zoom along in supersonic fashion, but whose musicianship is more than just chops. The waltz "Summer Song" is where Delano asserts himself on a wistful level with shimmering axioms and loose-tight associations, formulating eminently listenable music. Bassist Doug Weiss is more than up to the task, especially on "For All We Know," and drummer Anders Hentze is solid, unspectacular, and timely. If more tracks with Redman were issued, this endeavor could rightly have been "with" rather than "for" Redman. As it is, this readily enjoyable CD marks not only the passing of a jazz giant, but bookmarks the past effort of a still young pianist making inroads. As of this 2008 release, Delano has made a full recovery. He is on the comeback trail, buoyed by the thought that this fine recording may inspire him to achieve further greatness. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi