Gary Peacock

New Yorker Marc Copland, one of the most under-rated modern pianists, is no stranger to these shores. Bassist Gary Peacock, on the other hand, is a jazz superstar, better known for his role in the Keith Jarrett trio. But these musicians are perfectly matched, and Peacock particularly revels in the freedom of the duo setting, where the bass assumes a different and more central role in the melodic content of the music. With Copland a consummate accompanist, there is plenty of opportunity to admire the gorgeousness of the great bassist's sound and the connection between these two fine musicians.

New Yorker Marc Copland, one of the most under-rated modern pianists, is no stranger to these shores. Bassist Gary Peacock, on the other hand, is a jazz superstar, better known for his role in the Keith Jarrett trio. But these musicians are perfectly matched, and Peacock particularly revels in the freedom of the duo setting, where the bass assumes a different and more central role in the melodic content of the music. With Copland a consummate accompanist, there is plenty of opportunity to admire the gorgeousness of the great bassist's sound and the connection between these two fine musicians.

The release of the Gary Peacock Trio's Now This celebrates Peacock's 80th birthday. Accompanied by pianist Marc Copland and drummer Joey Baron, the bassist explores compositions both familiar and new. His collaborators also contribute a tune each. "Gaia" first appeared on 1995's A Closer View with Ralph Towner. In the intro to this version, Copland uses his instrument's high register to commence a call and response with Peacock; Baron's use of muted cymbals adds a gauzy texture before the waltz tempo and the lyric commence, adding a new dimension.

That Peacock should be capable of music with this much dignity should be no surprise; neither should it be especially surprising from Copland who, while a late starter on his chosen instrument, continues to develop a personal approach that combines the best of American and European traditions. What It Says is another fine recording from France’s Sketch Records, a label that is joining a select group of independents with an uncompromising sense of artistry, and a distinctive personality; Copland and Peacock have managed to capture the essence of the material in a programme that is rich in ambience and deep in emotion. ~John Kelman, allaboutjazz.com