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The beauty of Peter Martin is that even when he opens a standard like “Never
Let Me Go” or “Come Rain or Come Shine” he expands on the melodic
statement. Under the pianist’s dexterous fingers, a pure melody reveals
its potential as Martin intensifies its emotional range. Drummer Greg Hutchinson’s
vivid accents—snare pops, rolls and cymbal splashes—demand Martin’s
further investigation of another classic, “Never Let Me Go.” Reuben
Rogers smoothes the tune with his lush, woody bass. These three musicians make
up the rhythm section of Dianne Reeves’ band with Martin acting as the
vocalist’s music director. Their time playing together definitely shows
in the comfort and élan of their interactions.
Standard material flanks the meat-and-potatoes of the album in the middle of
the disc. The section starts with the leader’s original, one of two self-penned
numbers, “Modern Cacophony.” Here, Martin sounds freed from the restraints
of the aforementioned chestnuts and starts burnin’. At one point, the soaring
ride just makes one yell, “Wheee!” Next up amid the album’s
core is New Orleans’ own Jessie Davis’ lovely composition “Only
in a Dream.” The tune, played oh so slowly, stands in direct contrast to
its predecessor. It requires great patience and tenderness that are granted by
the talented trio. With similar finesse, the group takes on trombonist J.J. Johnson’s
ballad, “Lament.” Things start swinging and getting funky on Rogers’ tribute
to Ray Charles with “’Ting for Ray.” It’s a danceable
number that finds Rogers’ bass at center stage and even supplying the tune’s
final note.
Vocalist Erin Bode joins the trio at either and ends of the disc. Her presence
reinforces the album’s and perhaps MaxJazz’s proclivity for reaching
far back into the American songbook. The pure-toned, wispy-voiced singer approaches
Cole Porter’s “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To” and “The
Nearness of You” straight-up with no real improvisational surprises. Fortunately,
Martin and company don’t take these standards for granted and go at them
with an expected eager and exploratory flair.
