The piano trio has its own place in jazz and is perhaps closest to a fusion of jazz and classical music. It offers the pianist plenty of space to show off his virtuosity (as a composer and improviser) and no pianist will be unfamiliar with the etudes of, say,
Beethoven or
Chopin and not take something from them. Norwegian pianist Eyolf Dale is a growing name in European jazz, but wanted to wait with
… a trio record until he, according to himself, was sure he had something to say. His patience has been rewarded, because on Being he not only displays his virtuosity and classical, Chopin-like influences, but also unfathomable depth. Each piece has its own character, like the heavy stillness of Pondering, the playful melodiousness of Behind 315 (with bassist Per Zanussi on musical saw) or the Ellington-like panache of Northern Brewer. It makes the imposing Being not a moment's bore, and the piano trio concept comes into its own here. (MR)more
