Fred Hersch Trio
Live in Europe Fred Hersch (piano), John Hébert (bass),
Eric Mcpherson (drums)
Palmetto PM2192
Selecting the Jazz Choice is always a painful and invidious business, given the fine state of the jazz scene at the moment – but it proved a particularly tough task this time. Bobo Stenson and Dave Holland were each front-runners at one stage (see right), but I finally plumped for the Fred Hersch Trio. In its very different but equally valuable way, like the Bobo Stenson Trio it continues to enrich the tradition of the piano-bass-drums configuration. Hersch, a renowned player and improviser in his own right, is particularly celebrated for his interpretations of Thelonious Monk’s compositions, and on Live In Europe he bookends the set with ‘We See’ and
‘Blue Monk’, the latter a solo encore. There are also two
Wayne Shorter pieces. The rest are Hersch’s own evocative and impeccably-wrought compositions. There is a lightness, a fluidity and airiness, to this trio’s music, but it is far from insubstantial. Thoughtful and exquisitely developed, with
Hersch superbly complemented by bassist John Hébert and drummer Eric Mcpherson, this concert was a real treat for those lucky enough to be there. ★★★★★