All jazz lovers owe it to themselves to know the remarkable pianist and composer Ted Rosenthal. For decades, Rosenthal and his gifted jazz trio have been producing some of the most compelling jazz recordings of our time. With Classics Reimagined: Impromp2, Rosenthal delivers his 18th release as a leader, a follow-up to his acclaimed 2010 album Impromptu that deepened his exploration of jazz through classical themes.
What Rosenthal achieves on Classics Reimagined: Impromp2 is nothing short of magical. He shines a spotlight on beloved classical melodies, completely reimagining them through his jazz sensibilities. Every track on this release is a musical gift to the jazz world — expressive, inventive, and deeply felt. I have often said that the line between classical and jazz is very thin, and after listening to Rosenthal’s vivid musical imagination, he provides ample proof of this idea.
As Rosenthal himself explains:
“I have often heard classical themes as being ripe for jazz treatments. Setting these melodies with embellished jazz harmonies comes naturally to me. Finding a satisfying form for improvisation and rhythmic groove that makes the whole treatment work without sounding forced or contrived is key.”
And Rosenthal lives up to this ideal on every track. What could be rigid or academic becomes sumptuous, spontaneous, and exciting.
The Players
-
Ted Rosenthal — piano (leader, arranger, improviser)
-
Noriko Ueda — bass (anchoring harmony and rhythmic drive)
-
Quincy Davis — drums (responsive, swinging, intuitive)
Adding further color to this project are two jazz luminaries:
-
Sara Caswell — violin (featured on several tracks with profound lyricism)
-
Ken Peplowski — clarinet (whose warm, expressive tone deepens the reinterpretations)
The chemistry among these players is palpable throughout the album. Ueda and Davis provide a foundation so secure that Rosenthal’s flights of fancy feel effortless, while Caswell and Peplowski bring emotional depth and tonal contrast that elevate several pieces to new heights.
Playlist
1. Waltz in C-Sharp Minor
2. Slavonic Dance
4. The Old Castle (feat. Ken Peplowski)
5. Vocalise (feat. Sara Caswell)
6. Allegretto from Symphony No. 3
7. “Pathetique” Sonata, 2nd Movement
8. “Pathetique” Sonata, 3rd Movement
9. Salut d’Amour (feat. Sara Caswell)
10. Je Te Veux (feat. Sara Caswell)
11. Waltz in A-Flat Major (feat. Ken Peplowski)
For anyone who loves jazz piano, or just craves bold musical conversation, Classics Reimagined: Impromp2 is an essential listen — and a rewarding experience from start to finish.
I have attached two songs from this CD, the first is a Chopin composition, "Waltz In C-Sharp Minor" and the second is a Dvorak composition "Slavonic Dance". I know you will enjoy these tracks and encourage you to pick up this CD and make it part of your Jazz collection.
"Waltz In C-Sharp Minor"A. Dvorak
No comments:
Post a Comment