Review of Space Time Continuum, Aaron Diehl by John McBeath for Jazz Australia
Following his 2013 tribute to the Modern Jazz Quartet The Bespoke Man’s Narrative, New York pianist Aaron Diehl has released a jubilant new trio album featuring several guests including two octagenerians.
Six of the eight tracks are Diehl’s refined and intricate originals and played with his exquisite touch and phrasing.
Art Blakey’s 70’s piece Uranus is the opener by the trio with drummer Quincy Davis perfectly emphasizing and elaborating on the theme before Diehl’s richly woven solo introduces his long-term associate David Wong’s quick-moving bass sequence.
One of Duke Ellington’s ex-personnel, Joe Temperley on baritone sax, now aged 85, appears to solo with rhapsodic intensity on The Steadfast Titan. A second saxophonist in his eighties, Benny Golson is an album high point with his upbeat, swinging solos on Organic Consequence, and paired with the young effervescent trumpeter Bruce Harris.
Kat’s Dance, a kind of Bolero in 6/4 introduces a third saxophonist, Stephen Riley, on tenor, who plays in a pleasant, breathy style reminiscent of jazz in the sixties and Diehl’s piano plays a complicated and precise accompaniment.
Broadway Boogie Woogie inspired by the Mondrian 1943 painting is not a boogie, more like a high speed Bud Powell piece.
Diehl’s widespread activities have included backing major vocalists Cecile McLorin Salvant and Charenee Wade. Wade is included here on the title track singing blues-inflected verses straight out of the Betty Carter songbook with embroidering from Golson and Harris, transitioning into a faster beat for solos from everyone.
Diehl has produced an album of high-level, detailed musicianship, a collection of style and substance.
