1. Andre Jones, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, composer (on Waltz for Talia...)
The keyboards intro to this song is absolutely beautiful. THIS IS JAZZ ! The drummer and the upright bass smoothly gluide into this wonderful composition. The keyboardist's solo performance is outright magnificent in its technical display, mastery of phrasing, soloing, & dexerity. The bassist's solo was extremely enjoyable and masterfully and technically executed in performance. The drummer executes a perfect example of how drums MUST BE PLAYED in this scenario. Impeccable creativity & feel, touch, and reserved timing. This recording is a MUST HAVE for the real Jazz listeners. I will definitely add it to my playlist because this song is absolutely amazing and very few people that I know can match the level of musicanship displayed or produce the level of composition in song as displayed here. Overall, Outstanding Production, Performance, Recording, Composition. Five Stars all across the board. I truly loved it. | | | Details |
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2. Bill Wingfield, Kansas pianist, accompanist and teacher This gem of a CD displays the wide range of Jon Raney’s remarkable talent. The musical styles go from the exquisite solo piano on “Elegy for Dad”, with its rich, rolled chords and contrapuntal left hand, to the slow, soulful blues of “The Ramproller”, to the Latin sound of “Before”, with its intelligent motivic development, and everything in between. The trio sounds as though they read each other’s minds. The bassist Ed Fuqua and Jon's interplay on “Dedicated to Bill” and “Esposa Mia” calls to mind the wonderful freedom and creativity of the Bill Evans- Scott LaFaro partnership. On “Mood Elation” Jon and drummer Eric Halvorson hit accents with the relaxed precision that shows a close affinity between the players. Jon Raney’s playing has a strong sense of rhythm and unforced swing. His harmonies and choice of voicings are always apropos and never arbitrary. His touch is clean but not dry. The melody sings clearly throughout. His pedaling is masterful on “Esposa Mia.” “Waltz for Talia”, the title track, has a very cinematic feel to it with a mysterious, intro that leads to a delightfully surprising main idea. By cinematic, I mean that I pictured a dark screen in a movie theater as the intro played and then a beautiful landscape appearing as the main theme sounded. I highly recommend the Jon Raney Trio. This is piano trio jazz the way it is supposed to be, sophisticated, intelligent, expressive, and swinging! | | | Details |
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3. Gianni Cassone, guitarist/composer "Jon Raney's music is a mature balance of jazz tradition, profound understanding of harmony and subtle musical poetry which convey a great sense of humanity, humility and ease. The organic expression of the trio breathes life and elegance into these piano / bass / drums arrangements, beautifully performed by experienced jazz musicians. A commendable work of art and a rejoicing listen for everyone."
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4. Mark Thibert, Mood Indigo (on Dedicated to Bill...)
"Very pure"
Wonderful work. Truely an awesome piece, performed by obviously accomplished jazz musicians. You are all obviously in the groove together. Recording and production are perfect. Would love to see you live. Great work. Great playing.
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5. Monika Herzig, jazz pianist & teacher (on Dedicated to Bill...)
"Great Piano Trio"
"Nice piano trio work - this is one of the best things I've heard on Garageband. Reminds me of Bill Evans/ early Chick Corea - great chops, and nice interaction, the perfect jazz club mood. Nice sound on the bass and nice melodic soloing. I'd love to hear the group sometime."
(on Waltz for Talia...)
"Beautiful Piano Trio"
"This is very nice - moody atmosphere, competent musicians, good interaction, beautiful playing, what else can I list? It's great to hear just nice music, no pressure on sounding commercial, trying to prove something - just enjoy. Thanks guys."
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6. Paul Warburton, Denver bassist "After hearing the Jon Raney trio, I was overcome with guilt, because my first thought was: I got to move to NYC, but how do I get rid of my good friend Ed Fuqua and get the bass chair in this band?
Seriously, I've always dreamed of being in a trio like this. The fact that they are as comfortable with interplay as they are with just plain cookin' is just the icing on the cake. Jon's great compositions are so strong and beautiful they give the band a perfect canvas to improvise on. Jon's one of my very favorite pianists bar none. The full trio with Ed, and Eric has given me many hours of listening pleasure, but still leaving me with the thought: Why can't I play in a trio like that?"
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7. Ron Steeds - co-host, NOW'S THE TIME, CKCU-FM 93.1 "The music of Jon Raney should be savored like a fine wine.
It possesses a depth of feeling, a level of harmonic subtlety
and a degree of emotional power that stands up to repeated listening. But a casual listener could be forgiven for overlooking these aspects of his music upon first listen because each piece is achingly beautiful. While beauty may be reward enough, there is substantially more there to encounter. Jon Raney's music stays with you long after the ear has done its job.
I envy the listener who hears the Jon Raney Trio for the first time that precious moment of discovery. I remember thinking to myself the first time I heard Before I Close My Eyes, Dedicated To Bill and Waltz For Talia why had I not heard Jon Raney before? I was stunned when I found out there were no recordings available
by this killer piano trio. Luckily, with the release of WALTZ FOR TALIA, that is all about to change." | | | Details |
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8. Scott Woeckel, Guitarist, Producer (on Dedicated to Bill...)
"Lush textures!"
"I love this format, the Bill Evans trio got me hooked on it, and I've loved it ever since. It really allows the personalities of the players to shine through, and there is less of a competetive vibe to the music. This tune has very sensitive players of the highest quality. Very lyrical piano playing, reminds me a bit of Bill Cunliffe meets Bill Evans. The bassist has an awesome tone, and time, and the same should be said of the drummer, who reminds me a lot of the late great Billy Higgins. Great work guys, I hope it's getting heard more places. 5 Stars!!!!!"
(on Before I Close My Eyes...)
"Great modern jazz!"
"This is really cool. I am not into a lot of contemporary jazz, as it has come to be reckoned. This really is kind of a cross genre piece, as it has some of nice vamps and feels and ambience one get's from the smooth (jazz) side...but then the pianist is harmonically very interesting, explores melodic material from be-bop to free jazz and ties it all together very well and stylistically. The drummer is great, very sensitive, as is the bassist... Ok, folks, if you want to listen to some great modern jazz performed by REAL jazz musicians, this will not disapoint. This is jazz living right at the ambient edge...watch your step purists, because you might just slip, and find yourself loving this!"
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9. VICTOR ACKER, guitarist of THE ACKER BROS (on Waltz for Talia...)
"Absolutely beautiful playing. A sweet sweet jazz waltz. I would sell my soul to be able to play like that. Somewhere Bill Evans is nodding and smiling. This song belongs at the very top of the jazz charts. The changes are so sweet and lend themselves so beautifully to a waltz. This is the sort of music that makes life a little bit better while you're listening to it. This tune and a sunny day are all anyone needs." | | | Details |
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10. Wes Patterson, President/Ceo Willora Records (on Dedicated to Bill...)
Oh My! I feel this vibe!!!! :-)
Man, now this is a cut!!! 5 stars period!!! this will go on my playlist. Buy this cd! Excellent job!!!!
Can't say enough nice things about this one!!!!
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