Perpetuation is the Israeli-born and US-based pianist Yaniv Taubenhouse’s third Fresh Sounds release. Its title deliberately carries dual connotations, so while musical traditions are respectfully preserved on a selection of covers of Monk, Buarque, Gorney, Porter and Loewe, each of Taubenhouse’s five original pieces seek to extend those traditions further.
The title track pits a swirling melodic line against Lippi’s dangerous rhythmic undertow, the pianist leaning heavily on his classical roots before the steadily mounting tensions release in an exhilarating crescendo.
Fairytale spins on a repetitive motif which is more unsettling than enchanting, but there’s no ambiguity in the fittingly lustrous glow of Paris.
Pigeon House Blues explores the volatile elasticity of classic Hancock-Carter-Williams, while the closing Ilaria sees the trio mining a lyrical post-Evans seam.
Straddling past and present with great confidence and poise, Taubenhouse appears set to enjoy a bright future in jazz.
Discography
Perpetuation: On The Street Where You Live; Fairytale; Paris; Introspection; Pigeon House Blues; Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? Paratodos; Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye; Ilaria (66.00)
Taubenhouse (p) with Rick Rosato (b); Jerad Lippi (d). New York City, 14 June 2017.
Fresh Sounds New Talent FSNT 567
