CHRIS LOMHEIM - Timeline
Lomstradumus 2014
Chris Lomheim- piano; Gordon Johnson- bass; Jay Epstein- drums
Recorded March/April 2014
The fine Minneapolis, Minnesota based Chris Lomheim Trio has just released “Timeline” which is appropriately titled as it marks their 20th anniversary having released their debut CD And You’ve Been Waitin in 1994. As Matthew Zimmerman’s (no relation to Bob, I reckon) cover notes explain “Timeline is a new beginning while moving forward into the future….making great music with great friend remains the same”. Indeed it does as it is clear that the 20 years of musical camaraderie and comfort between the threesome has resulted in a most refreshing and winning collection.
Ten of Chris’ compositions showcase his eloquent pianisms along with ex- Maynard Ferguson bassist (I heard him with the band alongside Peter Erskine on drums in 1976!) Gordy Johnson, and the driving but sensitive drummer, Jay Epstein. Jazz piano fans might detect a love and influence of Bill Evans in the leader’s approach. Not so much in his melodic vocabulary or rhythmic emphasis but more in his profound elocutions of the song’s melodies and guidance of the hills and dales of the trio’s journeys.
As space limits one from expounding more fully on too many tracks there are two pieces that exemplify the strengths of this CD. Theme For a Ride, with its eloquent and somewhat circular melody which truly portrays a themelike quality- providing a wonderful platform for Johnsons’s richly melodic bass solo to kick things off in that department. Also, For Emily, which could have been titled “Three Emily” for its gently swinging waltz feel bringing about a sparkling piano solo excursion combining long cascading note flurries with occasionally reflective pauses for air and respite.
As Tennessee Williams wrote “Time is the longest distance between two places” Timeline provides us with a delightful testament of the continuum of this creative trio’s longevity and output. I look forward to their 2034 installment.
Reviewed by Frank Griffith
Lomstradumus 2014
Chris Lomheim- piano; Gordon Johnson- bass; Jay Epstein- drums
Recorded March/April 2014
The fine Minneapolis, Minnesota based Chris Lomheim Trio has just released “Timeline” which is appropriately titled as it marks their 20th anniversary having released their debut CD And You’ve Been Waitin in 1994. As Matthew Zimmerman’s (no relation to Bob, I reckon) cover notes explain “Timeline is a new beginning while moving forward into the future….making great music with great friend remains the same”. Indeed it does as it is clear that the 20 years of musical camaraderie and comfort between the threesome has resulted in a most refreshing and winning collection.
Ten of Chris’ compositions showcase his eloquent pianisms along with ex- Maynard Ferguson bassist (I heard him with the band alongside Peter Erskine on drums in 1976!) Gordy Johnson, and the driving but sensitive drummer, Jay Epstein. Jazz piano fans might detect a love and influence of Bill Evans in the leader’s approach. Not so much in his melodic vocabulary or rhythmic emphasis but more in his profound elocutions of the song’s melodies and guidance of the hills and dales of the trio’s journeys.
As space limits one from expounding more fully on too many tracks there are two pieces that exemplify the strengths of this CD. Theme For a Ride, with its eloquent and somewhat circular melody which truly portrays a themelike quality- providing a wonderful platform for Johnsons’s richly melodic bass solo to kick things off in that department. Also, For Emily, which could have been titled “Three Emily” for its gently swinging waltz feel bringing about a sparkling piano solo excursion combining long cascading note flurries with occasionally reflective pauses for air and respite.
As Tennessee Williams wrote “Time is the longest distance between two places” Timeline provides us with a delightful testament of the continuum of this creative trio’s longevity and output. I look forward to their 2034 installment.
Reviewed by Frank Griffith
