BILL O’CONNELL

TOUCH

JoJo Records

Bill O’Connell, piano/composer/arranger; Santi Debriano, bass; Billy Hart, drums.

Bill O’Connell has a light touch on the piano keys, but with a dynamic sense of purpose.  Speaking of which, his opening tune is the album’s title, “Touch.”  I find something compelling about his original music that draws me into this trio production like children to an ice cream shop. The title tune is sweet and lovely, leaving space for Santi Debriano to entertain me with his creative solo on double bass.

Next comes a more energized arrangement that interprets the Herbie Hancock standard, “Maiden Voyage.”  Again, O’Connell shares the spotlight with his talented bassist. I enjoy the way O’Connell’s piano lines dance around the bass lines, as if the instruments are teasing each other.  When the tempo veers into a Latin rhythm, Billy Hart entertain with his fluid drum licks and spontaneous percussion solo.  Hart’s drum sticks pound amidst the exciting piano backdrop of Latin excitement.  It’s a wonderful arrangement.

Both Debriano and Hart are longtime collaborators with Bill O’Connell.  Together, they paint vivid, bright, musical colors.  “Around and Around” is another original by O’Connell that plays with time, changing tempos from a Straight-ahead groove to surprising ‘cut-time,’ than morphs back to energized excitement in the wink of an eye.  I love this arrangement.

O’Connell is a masterful composer and seasoned pianist. He explores his own “Touch” and style. The trio blends lyrical expressiveness with rhythmic excitement, exploiting their friendship in a way that highlights a comfort level.  Musically, they know each other very well. There is a feeling of camaraderie between them. It floods my listening room with honest emotion and good vibes.  Here is an album I will enjoy playing over and over again for years to come.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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