Richie Beirach Trio - Manhattan Reverie (2006) [Japan 2017] SACD ISO + DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

This classically-trained veteran pianist was marking his sixth decade on earth with a little help from his friends—trio band mates, bassist George Mraz and drummer Billy Hart, expert rhythm makers also featured on this highly effective Japanese import from Venus Records, Manhattan Reverie. They all appeared to have a certain twinkle in their eyes, suggesting that they are very comfortable playing with each other, wise to each other's ways and that they were having a good time. It was kind of a nice message: Age has nothing to do with vitality or musical ability, except maybe, in this case, it adds to both of those things.

This album’s connections to Manhattan are not always obvious, and its sustained high energy feels nothing like a reverie. But Richie Beirach may never have made a more sophisticated, comprehensive album statement in his 30-year recording career.

In Beirach’s highly individual interpretations of standards, every song is recognizable except for its tone. “You Don’t Know What Love Is” is not its brooding, mournful self. Beirach chops it up and creatively abuses it. “Stella by Starlight” is also broken down into asymmetrical segments. Beirach reassembles them into bold, angular architecture, rejecting all of the song’s sweet wistfulness. “If I Were a Bell” is a blur, a fond parody in sheer speed. “Footprints” has been done by so many of the world’s greatest horn players that it is hard for a piano-trio version to sound complete. Beirach smokes it. With just two hands, he hammers the famous bass line, rivets the melody like it has rarely been riveted and adds inspired embellishments to each. Beirach has played with George Mraz and Billy Hart for a quarter-century. They are both locked tight into the ensemble, yet individually distinct-Mraz with his huge glowing tone, Hart with his private, scattered march time that somehow makes everything flow.

Tracklist:

01. You Don't Know What Love Is
02. On Green Dolphin Street
03. If I Were A Bell
04. Manhattan Reverie
05. Etude
06. Transition
07. Stella By Starlight
08. Veils
09. Blood Count
10. Footprints

Personnel
Richie Beirach - piano
George Mraz - bass
Billy Hart - drums

Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Tetsuo Hara. Engineered by Katherine Miller.
Recorded on March 25 & 26, 2006 at The Studio in New York.
Venus Hyper Magnum Sound Direct Mix. VENUS Japan # VHGD-205.


Thanks to jazzyman!
Uncompressed SACD ISO size > 2,81 GB
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