SOUND SCAPE MAGAZINE
Jon Ballantyne
Trio Live (NY Jam Records)
By Neil Hendry
Recorded live in Toronto May 18th, 19th and 20th 1995, Trio Live, is an excellent example of what can happen when three musicians of this caliber perform together. The recording begins with an energetic rendition of Joe Henderson’s “Inner Urge”. This track features a stellar piano solo by the group’s leader Jon Ballantyne, as well as wonderful solos by bassist Drew Gress and drummer Billy Hart. One of three jazz standards present on this album , it provides the listener with an introduction to Ballantyne’s playing by way of familiar song.
The next selection is “Search”, a Ballantyne original, which begins with a fairly relaxed bass solo eventually turning into an electric demonstration of group interaction that showcases some of the pianist’s best chord work of the performance. This is followed by the beautiful ballad “Three Falls”, then a combined medley of Ballantyne’s own “Blues For Duke” and Charlie Parker’s “Relaxing at Camarillo”. After another original tune, the CD ends with an exceptional rendition of Jerome Kern’s “All The Things You Are”. This standard is performed by jazz groups so often that it would seem a daunting task to give fresh treatment, but this trio pulls it off in spades.
Once again this Saskatoon native proves that not only is he one of the best musicians Canada has ever produced, he also ranks with the best in the world. Trio Live is a gem of recording, providing an excellent glimpse at Jon Ballantyne’s genius.