Andrew Carroll: ‘Speaking of Gravity’

The latest album from pianist and composer Andrew Carroll is a delightful concoction of modern jazz that sits where middle of the road should be, without being ‘smooth’ and anodyne. Nine original compositions feature a fine jazz trio with each performer bringing their best.

Each tune on Speaking of Gravity seems to convey a story that can be whatever you choose it to be. Vague titles hint at their inspiration, but glean from it what you will. The music will take you wherever you want to got.

Tracks like Auburn Roots and Audrey’s Arabesque get right to the heart of this beautiful trio album, with the composer’s piano melding perfectly with his collaborators, Jeff Ballard (drums) and Danny Ziemann (double bass).

I’m always allowed a favourite track, and on Speaking of Gravity it is How the Clock Strikes Now, with a  challenging time signature that sometimes waltzes and confusingly comes back on itself. Much like the world we are all inhabiting right now. The strings of the piano resonate at the end, almost expectantly.

There are moments of solo piano that are mesmerising - they allow your mind to drift before you return to the trio format.

These musicians have all worked with some of the greatest in the music world, with Carroll himself heard alongside Maria Schneider, Burt Bacharach, Steve Miller, Jane Monheit and many others. Interestingly, Ballard’s drums have appeared on several albums I have reviewed over the years. These are in-demand and exceptional musicians.

Enjoy Speaking of Gravity as a fine example of piano trio jazz today.