Justin Salisbury
Evergreen
GleAM, 2022

GleAM records announces the release of Evergreen, the debut album by American pianist Justin Salisbury.

 
Evergreen’s lineup features Justin Salisbury on piano, Max Ridley on double bass and Dan Nadeau on drums. The album gathers 10 original songs inspired by the sound of contemporary jazz.

The rhythm is particularly in evidence, as well demonstrated by the opening number “Go”, also characterized by beautiful dynamics. “Ciro” is a brilliant jazz-waltz that highlights the excellent interplay of the trio, which plays a continuous flow of rhythmic ideas led by the piano.

“Sangha” explores darker atmospheres and a classical music mood, with the bass pedal supporting Salisbury’s inventions. “Barang Barang” explores the links between rhythm and avant-garde using paroxysmal parts, while the title-track is a dreamy and delicate ballad.

Evergreen is an album that well explores the themes of contemporary jazz and of the piano trio. The compositions are certainly its strongest feature, songs which manage to combine lightness and depth. An excellent debut, which bodes well for the future of this promising pianist and his trio.
(EM)