Debut CD by Vancouver pianist/accordionist features his compositions and covers a lot of emotional and stylistic ground.

Debut CD by Canadian pianist/accordionist features his compositions and covers a lot of emotional and stylistic ground, from tender ballads to playful improv to stompin' rock'n'roll. Naylor's piano style is an original blend that at different times might bring to mind Wayne Horvitz, Abdullah Ibrahim or Misha Mengelberg. Bassist Russell Sholberg (Pugs and Crows) and drummer Skye Brooks (Fond of Tigers) complete the trio; brilliant Vancouver clarinetist François Houle guests on two tracks.

This is music that seems to want to engage the listener in a personal dialogue that's grounded in its changing moods, from introspective to celebratory. Perhaps that's related to Naylor's eclectic musical activities and interests. He's played in various folk and indie groups, touring for several years in singer-songwriter Dan Mangan's band. 'I was never a huge fan of virtuosity for its own sake, particularly in jazz, and trying to play folk and rock demanded a different kind of subtlety and sparsity that many jazz pianists don't necessarily appreciate or value. I think the importance of the notes not being played, of space, and of patience continue to influence my playing and my music in all styles.'

'When I improvise I always try to use repetition, tension and release much the same way as if I were composing on the spot. And when I do compose, trying to mix set parts and improvised parts, I want it to sound organic, perhaps ambiguous - that the improvised space is a logical extension of the composed material, and vice versa. What I really appreciate about Mengelberg and other Dutch musicians is their playfulness and no-fear approach, a patience and a willingness to see a melodic idea through right to the end, whether it's a ballad, a joke, or a joke ballad. It's always emotive in some way.'

Track Listing

• Paolo Conte
• Book It
• Allee der Kosmonauten
• Adrift
• See It Through
• Syzygy
• Beelitz
• PKP
• Leaves

Additional Details

Label: Songlines

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 55 mins

Release Date: 06/12/12

UPC: 774355159422