David Chesky – The New York Rags

David Chesky’s series of 18 modern virtuoso solo piano rags are inspired by life in the bustling and intense metropolis of New York City, a place he has called home since 1974. The work seems to owe as much to Henry Cowell and Charles Ives’ use of dissonance, Elliott Carter’s atonalism, Conlon Nancarrow’s experimental piano rolls, Leonard Bernstein’s syncopation, and Cecil Taylor’s whirlwind free jazz as they do to Joplin’s ragtime classics.

With "Jazz In The New Harmonic" David Chesky fuses 21st century classical harmonies with his city's rhythms to create a new genre of jazz. The album liberates the pulse, soul, energy, and groove from past traditions, it's the first encounter with the transcendental music of our age. Chesky is a first class provocateur, and his 21st century classical harmonic approach kicks into high gear with his streamlined New York groove machine. Chesky's vision has been realized with this super band of all star jazz musicians.