Fred Hersh - Breath By Breath

Label: Palmetto Records, 2022

Personnel - Fred Hersch: piano; Drew Gress: bass; Jochen Rueckert: drums; Rogerio Boccato: percussion (#6) + Crosby Street String Quartet - Joyce Hammann: violin; Laura Seaton: violin; Lois Martin: viola; Jody Redhage: cello. 

Acknowledging string quartet as a natural configuration for him, the pianist/composer Fred Hersch puts out Breath By Breath, a well-rounded set of sensitive music that seamlessly integrates his jazz trio - featuring his long-time collaborator Drew Gress on bass and the recent associate Jochen Rueckert on drums - and the harmonious strings of the Crosby Street String Quartet. 

The eight-part Sati Suite, inspired by his meditation practices, starts with “Begin Again”, which flows relentlessly with dramatic and poignant tones during the reflective theme; then radiates optimism during a piano solo that shows the quality of his language. The signature meter shifts to 5/4, proposing a delicate Latin touch before a brief passage infused by strings. This metric rhythm is also found in the suite's concluding part, “Worldly Winds”, a pulsating treat that, living from vivid impulses and counterpoint, reveals a strong classical lineage.

Predominantly introspective, the songs often combine silken tones with sparkling chops, and both “Awaken Heart” and “Breath by Breath” are two notable examples of these quiet inflections. The former, solemnly cinematic in the [pizzicato/bowed] strings introduction, definitely awakes for passionate and emotional piano playing; the latter, recalling a chorale, thrives with a thoughtful bass solo, pondered brushwork, and inspired string fills adorning the piano statement. The richness of the arrangements is also visible in the waltzing “Rising, Falling”, which works closer to the Bill Evans template. A bit less obvious is “Monkey Mind”, whose interactive delineation is committed to explore beyond what is expected.

On the singular “Mara” - titled after the god who tempted Buddha with wine, women and wealth - the ensemble jells into a gently percussive flow in six that evokes Eastern atmospheres. The Brazilian percussionist Rogerio Boccato guests on this immutable foundation over which Hersch churns out subtle melodic shadings before concluding with entrancing chordal movements. Not affiliated with the suite, “Pastorale” is Hersch’s homage to the German classical composer Robert Schumann, warmly put together with a bolero-ish throttle.  

Serving as a catalyst to creativity, this intimate musical experience shows the prolific pianist working in an infrequent context with the same personal voice.

Favorite Tracks:
01 - Begin Again ► 06 - Mara ► 08 - Worldly Winds