This trio album, recorded in Copenhagen last year, catches pianist Dollar Brand far from his native South Africa, but there is an insistent pulse in every part of the title piece which seems to impart a very personal message and image of his background. Through the funky undertones of his music I detect a composer of exceptional gift – Charles Fox describes him as one of the finest pianist/composers in jazz today, which strikes me as high praise for a man whose work is virtually unknown in the wide field of jazz appreciation. On the other hand, he had the ability and stature to warrant Duke Ellington taking him under his wing to the extent that Duke helped his European promotion four years ago.
Dollar Brand has clearly been exposed to all the right, or at least the most interesting, influences. Even his version of Midnight has the wit and versatility to convey that he is well past Monk in his thoughts, though sometimes less coherent. There is no doubt that he is a great creative artist, but there may be more bridges for him to cross than he realises before he finds his ultimate goal. His search for sound and harmony in Honey is almost Wagnerian in its logical extent, but he traces all this with the levity of Duke and the cutting decision of Monk. As a pianist he is not afraid of extending his two hands to the limits of the instrument, yet seldom indulges in tricks and verbosity. He must assuredly have a great future if his latent talent is allowed to develop and mature without undue pressure.
Discography
Anatomy Of A South African Village; Tintyana (23 min) – Round Midnight; Honey; Light Blue (18¼ min)
Dollar Brand (p); Johnny Gertze (bs); Makaya Ntshoko (d). Recorded live at Montmartre Jazzhuis, Copenhagen, 30/1/65.
(Fontana 688 314 ZL 33s. 1d.)
