Perhaps a good way to buoy spirits in this dispiriting time is to call your attention to music that gives the Rifftides staff a lift…in hopes that it may do the same for you. Pianist and composer Ethan Iverson’s recent collection Common Practice has moments that are helpful in that regard. Iverson put together a quartet that includes himself, bassist Ben Street, drummer Eric McPherson, and guest artist Tom Harrell at a peak of imagination and inventiveness that is stunning even by that remarkable trumpeter’s high standards. Here they are, playing George and Ira Gershwin’s imperishable classic “The Man I Love.”
Ethan Iverson, from his album Common Practice, featuring tumpeter Tom Harrell in live performance with the quartet. In addition to the delights of a handful of standards and jazz classics including “Wee,” “I Remember You,” and “Sentimental Journey,” Iverson and company offer a pair of his witty original blues.
Wonderful. All the stars
I just listened to the featured song for the second time. It’s nice to hear something that was recorded in a live setting. Thanks for raising our spirits, Doug!
I love what Iverson does on a variety of fronts. He’s a great musician who thinks about the nuts and bolts of how things work but knows at some level it’s about a human communication that would be kind be hard to pin down to just its constituent parts. He knows the pop world, and classical is a passion for him as well. Witness his collaboration(s) with Miranda Cuckson, for instance.
Thank you for the great review. As it happens, you chose my favourite track on the album.
Hope all is well in EVERYONE’S world. Stay safe.
A beautiful recording.. Bravo to all involved, from the musicians, to the Vanguard, to ECM Records. In these dark days we need all the great art we can get.