Surrounding Green

The masterful interplay of the trio, which relies on refined communication among the three and a sophisticated sense of understatement, makes Fred Hersch's third recording for ECM an essential contribution to the piano trio canon. Together with Drew Gress on bass and Joey Baron on drums, two long-time collaborators who have played with him repeatedly since the late 80s and early 90s, Hersch tackles a handful of 20th-century compositions—ranging from standards to rarely played jazz pieces. He also includes three original compositions. "I feel like you can really hear the history on this record," the pianist notes. "I hope people can feel the maturity of the interaction, the sound world, and the sensitivity in the playing." Fred's own pieces stand out for their lyrical intensity, shining with intricate harmonies and woven counterpoint in "Plainsong," timeless melodic invention in the title track "The Surrounding Green," and irresistible Latin groove in "Anticipation." The trio's approach to Ornette Coleman's "Law Years" is a freely swinging affair, while Egberto Gismonti's "Palhaço" represents an elegant journey of thoughtful trio interaction. In "Embraceable You" by the Gershwin brothers, the pianist and his companions shine with infectious nonchalance. With great dedication to the haunting quality of the melancholic melody, the trio explores Charlie Haden's work.