In the jazz department, the new year is off to a strong start, thanks to composer and pianist Vijay Iyer and his trio (the imposing Tyshawn Sorey on drums, the Australian of Malaysian origin Linda May Han Oh on bass), who are resplendent on this second studio album, Compassion. In this generous proposal, in terms of duration – nine original compositions and three covers in 66 minutes – as much as in terms of the musical register, the dynamic trio waltzes between atmospheric pieces, such as the title song and the delicate tribute to Desmond Tutu, archin the opening (on which the agile bassist shines early by maintaining a rich conversation with the pianist), and the dense flights scented with rock and jazz fusion of the powerful Ghostrumental, one of the album’s highlights. A captivating revival of success slips in Overjoyed (1985) by Stevie Wonder — Iyer making lace to the jovial rhythm set by his colleagues — as well as a tip of the hat to avant-garde jazz icon Roscoe Mitchell (reprise of the disheveled Nonaah1977).
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To watch on video