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Luciano Troja: To New Life: The Music Of Earl Zindars
ByDepth of feeling, which Troja admirably succeeds in transmitting, is only half the Zindars story. A classical as well as a jazz composer, Zindars was an architect of arresting harmonics and rhythmic elasticity, with a penchant for deceptively simple yet haunting melodies. These traits shine forth on "Lullaby for Helene," "Sareen-Jurer," "Elsa" and "Mother of Earl"compositions which Evans returned to time and again.
There are shades of Debussy's romanticism and Satie's exquisite minimalism in Zindars' refined melodiesdelicate starting points for more full-blooded, two-handed expression. Whether caressing the keys or summoning rhapsodic churn, Troja's sensitive touch reflects the introspection, nostalgia and longing at the heart of Zindars' music. If the music frequently evokes Evans, it should come as no surprise as Zindars would often compose with his friend in mind. Still, one has to marvel at Troja's emotional investment and his unshowy virtuosity.
At times, a hair's breadth separates somber reverie from aching beauty, while medium tempo swing can abruptly make way for a waltz feel. Such emotional shading and structural fluidity make for compelling listening. Had Evans lived, one suspects that he would also have embraced latter-day Zindars compositions such as "Karen's Mode" and "Roses For Annig," drawn, no doubt, to their aching lyricism, romanticism and passion.
Five studio tracks round out the album, including Zindars' previously unrecorded "Wissahickon Walk," a brooding composition from 1961, spare and formal by design. Here, in addition to piano, Troja employs a Syrian riqa tambourine that belonged to Zindarsto effect a ghostly pulse which underscores a certain ritual quality in the piece. A delicate four-part suite, "To New Life," inspired by a poem gifted to Troja by Zindars' daughter, Helene, reveals the Italian's own gift for music of refinement and elegance.
As Zindars recorded just two albums in his lifetime, Troja's second full-length homage feels like the closing of a recording cycle. Still, there is no reason why Troja cannot tour ad infinitum as a committed Zindars ambassador, much as Evans did. This is a fine tribute to an exceptional though underappreciated talent; Troja shines new light on Earl Zindars and his legacy. A contender for solo piano album of the year.
Track Listing
Lullaby for Helene; Sareen-Jurer/Hokees Orrant Ee Var; Dreams Are These; Elsa; Thoughts of Mine/Mother of Earl; Karen's Mode; Roses for Annig; Wissahickon Walk; To New Life: (i) Rain (ii) Silenced World (iii) Wait (iv) Tuning.
Personnel
Luciano Troja
pianoAdditional Instrumentation
Luciano Troja: riq tambourine (8).
Album information
Title: To New Life: The Music of Earl Zindars | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Almendra Music
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