Pianist Lex Korten has played with a who’s who of New Jazz stars, figures in the 21st century’s creative music scene such as Tyshawn Sorey. His debut, Canopy, doesn’t sound like the bands he has been playing in, and it doesn’t seem interested in imitating almost anything you have already heard. It is seductive, sometimes strange, usually beautiful, and evocative.
Using song titles and lyrics that suggest seasons of the year and nature, the album perhaps tells a story in the same indirect way that a great impressionist painting might. Vocalist Claire Dixon blends into the band on most tracks, rather than being featured. Alto saxophonist David Leon plays just as much within as above the ensemble. Tal Yahalom is on electric guitar, and drummer Steven Boegehold keeps time but mostly colors the scenes with atmosphere. There is also a lot of post-production studio magic here, but it is unobtrusive and part of an organic sound.
This is a debut album? Really? It sounds confident and fully formed. It sounds wonderful.
