Bob Mamet Trio - Impromptu (2010)

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Bob Mamet Trio - Impromptu (2010)

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Impromptu is the long awaited fourth album from acclaimed Jazz pianist Bob Mamet. His previous collaborations with artists such as Alex Acuna, Larry Carlton, Eric Marienthal, Gerald Albright, and David Benoit led Jazziz magazine to proclaim “Mamet is a brilliant composer [who gives] his players an intelligent, thoughtful, and dynamic landscape in which to work.”

On this latest outing, Mamet teams with esteemed bassist Darek Oles and world renowned drummer Joe La Barbara. Oles is one of Europe's most celebrated bass players and his duets with famed pianist Brad Mehldau have garnered critical acclaim worldwide. La Barbera played drums in the legendary trio that included Bill Evans on piano and Marc Johnson on bass, creating some of the most influential albums in Jazz history.

With Impromptu, released in March of 2010, Mamet, Oles, and La Barbera bring passion and elegance to a timeless Jazz idiom. Ten original compositions showcase the individual virtuosity and artful interplay between the musicians. Mamet's vibrant and lyrical brand of acoustic Jazz creates a unique signature sound that is at once classic and modern.

No gimmicks. No trends. All business. The Bob Mamet Trio gets straight to the point with Impromptu.

Chicago-born Mamet studied at Peabody Conservatory before moving to Los Angeles, where he has worked a composer and session musician, showing his versatility in television, film, advertising and performance. Associations include Alex Acuna, Larry Carlton, Eric Marienthal, Gerald Albright and David Benoit. For Impromptu, Mamet is accompanied by Darek Oles on bass and Joe La Barbera on drums.

The title song has a Benoit/Guaraldi feel to it. Mamet carries the lead in playful fashion. During the song's climax, he scores a series of descending rolls.

"Venice Waltz" is a charming piece. La Barbera adds some extra flavoring with cymbal slides and soft strokes on the snare. Oles steps out front briefly during a bridge that sets up the closing.

Oles and La Barbera are more involved on "At Play," an upbeat, free-spirited song. Bass and piano are in unison during the introduction. The bass continues the stair-step rhythm while the piano moves on to the melody. La Barbera gets to lick his chops in a call-and-response with Oles. The trio is sharp throughout.

Any time you get a collection of all-original compositions performed by a solid group of jazz musicians, you're likely in for a treat. Impromptu delivers on that promise in a stylish, albeit brief (under 40 minutes total), set. Although Oles and La Barbera don't get to stretch out much, they complement Mamet perfectly. Even in the background, they present integral parts of the performance.
~ allaboutjazz.com

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Bob Mamet Trio - Impromptu (2010)

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Bob Mamet Trio - Impromptu (2010)

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