THE KEYSTONE QUARTET
A Love Story (32 Jazz)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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One of the marks of Tod Barkan's tenure as head of 32 Records has been the release of some outstanding sessions that have heretofore gone unreleased. A good case in point is this set from the Keystone Quartet (probably named in honor of session producer Barkan's late great San Francisco jazz spot, the Keystone Korner). Recorded in 1998, the quartet is a meeting of players who once might have been described as Young Lions, but who have reached a level of creativity that denies most of what that tag implies.

Drummer Lewis Nash and pianist Cyrus Chestnut, who first joined forces behind the legendary Betty Carter, are joined by Czech bassist George Mraz to form one of the great contemporary rhythm sections. The quartet is rounded out by Eric Alexander's lyrical tenor saxophone. It's one of the strongest lineups in jazz today, and they turn in an impressive set of performances.

The material ranges from familiar standards by Johnny Mercer, Jimmy Van Heusen and Herbie Hancock to new interpretations of pop material like Boz Scaggs' "We're All Alone." This is a ballad set, and the music is as romantic as the title suggests, but it's no rainy day cocktail session. This is wonderfully inventive music worthy of careful and repeated listening. Then again, it's great for lighting the fire, opening the wine and curling up with someone warm to.

Track List:

The Lamp Is Low * Moonlight Becomes You * Everything Must Change * Suddenly * My Love And I * Dolphin Dance * Prelude To A Kiss * Tateresque * We're All Alone * Laura

© 2001 - Shaun Dale