No one sounds quite like Barth. His solos are characterized by robust swing, his ability to tell a story, and by his rich, beguiling sound. -Zan Stewart, The Newark Star-Ledger. A pivotal member of New York's Jazz scene for 40 years, pianist Bruce Barth's inspired vision and generous accompaniment has always led to rich musical collaborations, none more so than with his working trio of many years with bassist Vincente Archer and drummer Montez Coleman. Their collective voice found it's perfect setting, which makes the release of "Dedication" a profound and emotion-filled moment, as Montez passed away 5 months after the recording session at the age of 48. Celebrating the joy and camaraderie Montez brought to their work, the thread of relationships, inspiration, guidance and gratefulness that imbued the recording revealed itself, leading Barth to present the music as a display of mindfulness of those gifts. "Dedication" is for the ones who give and is filled with life, dance and swing.
Back in the studio for Savant Records, the versatile pianist with monster chops, Bruce Barth displays those traits which caused the Village Voice to proclaim that he is "one of the best pianists in town, period." His unique, Monk-tinged voicing, big tone and propulsive rhythmic drive sets his sound and style apart from any other pianist. Joined here again by vibist Steve Nelson and with trumpet/flugel phenom Terell Stafford on hand, Bruce offers a stimulating set list of a few standards alongside his always interesting originals.
Bruce Barth, despite his professorship at Temple University, is no stodgy jazz egghead. He is a working musician with an abundance of technique, a seemingly bottomless well of ideas and is a composer of considerable skill with a contemporary and inventive approach, with many of the works here being Barth originals. Barth's solos are witty and insightful while his innate harmonic sense makes him a perfect accompanist when backing solos by others. Joining the front line is the masterful vibes player Steve Nelson, who always swings hard, but also manages to play with a soulful lyricism.
