Technically Acceptable
Ethan Iverson (Blue Note)
Ethan Iverson's latest Jazz escapade, “Technically Acceptable,” hitting the scene courtesy of the legendary Blue Note label, is one heck of a musical thrill ride that zips through time and tradition with style and panache. If you're a Jazz nut hungry for an adventure that mixes the old-school with the new, look no further.
Alright, let's talk lineup. Iverson's rounded up a crew of top-notch talent, with bassists Thomas Morgan and Simón Wilson, plus drummers Kush Abadey and Vinnie Sperrazza. These cats aren't just playing—they're grooving, syncing up, and painting sonic masterpieces that take Iverson's tunes to stratospheric heights.
The album kicks off with “Conundrum,” a spicy concoction of rhythms and classical vibes that grabs you by the ears and doesn't let go. And just when you catch your breath, bam! “Victory is Assured (Alla Breve)” hits you like a bolt of lightning. Hang on tight, because it's like a musical rollercoaster —you're in for a wild ride, and trust me, you won't wanna bail out.
Now, about those covers. Iverson takes the classic “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and gives it a fresh spin with Simón Wilson and Vinnie Sperrazza. The result? A whole new take on a timeless tune that will have you hitting replay. And can we talk about the duo with Rob Schwimmer on theremin during “Round Midnight”? That's right, a theremin that sounds hauntingly human, giving you goosebumps that will send shivers down your spine —now that's what I call a mind-blowing moment!
But perhaps the real showstopper of “Technically Acceptable” is Iverson's solo piano sonata. In three movements, he takes us on a whirlwind tour of bluesy chops, delicate melodies, and unexpected twists. It's like watching a master painter at work, each note a brushstroke on the canvas of sound.
All in all, “Technically Acceptable” is a testament to Iverson's brilliance as both a composer and a pianist. With each track, he invites us into his world—a world where tradition meets innovation, where discipline meets freedom. So grab your favorite beverage, sink into your comfiest chair, let Ethan Iverson whisk you away on a musical journey you won't soon forget... and thank me later.
“I’m interested in trying to wrangle these almost archaic forms in a modernist way. When I play a 12-bar blues with Thomas and Kush, it doesn’t sound like 1944 in the slightest. It sounds like 2023. But at the same time, it is a serious throwback. That’s where I connect to someone like Jaki Byard, who could play the most up-to-date creative music with Eric Dolphy or play behind a blues singer and be totally comfortable. And when he played solo or trio, it all came out at once.”
— Ethan Iverson