I have been a fan of this NYC-based pianist ever since Impulse released a collection of "underground" artists several years ago who were recorded live at the intimate (read: really tiny) but fabled jazz venue Smoke. Jason Lindner has always seemed to have his sensibilities at the cusp of emerging jazz motifs. His playing and compositions are informed by world beats, placing him squarely in the progressive tradition of people like Dizzy Gillespie. He has recorded albums that display his penchant for applying pure rhythm and smart arrangement, such as his composition dedicated to Mary Lou Williams on which he interrupted an ensemble to allow a respectable rapper to talk a story.
On Live/UK, a 2002 concert recorded in London, Lindner leads a quartet consisting of Jimmy Greene on reeds, Omer Avital (another Smoke alum) on bass, and Marlon Browder on drums. What occurs is non-stop swing within several sub-genres that suggests a latter day Thelonious Monk presentation.
Not to say that Greene is Charlie Rouse; his playing bends toward smooth jazz phrasing at times (similar to Michael Brecker) but he is capable of scintillating solos, such as his rolling flute and percussive sax work on the Latin-bop tune "The Five Elements & The Natural Trinity--Part 1," one of three performances that carry over 10 minutes (one is at 18).
Lindner's arrangements slide toward the Latin in general; his music never sits still. "Information Kiss" is a prime example, with the pianist's Tyner-like riffs pushing Greene into a long, rollicking soliloquy. Afterward, the pace turns gospel on "Take It to Church" (think of SNL's closing theme), with a nice moment from bassist Avital leading to tasty, upright playing from Lindner, who again demonstrates his superb knowledge and dexterity. This is a musician everyone should check out, capable of pleasing every ear.
Other coverage for this album
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