David Janeway

EXCURSION

CD REVIEW

David JanewayTrio/New Direction Music (2007)

by Michael P. Gladstone

Pianist David Janeway, with only a handful of albums under his belt, bursts out of the pack with the exciting Excursion. He is accompanied by veteran bassist Harvie S and drummer Steve Davis. Excursion also features a guest appearance from trumpeter Charles Moore, who provides an eerie and effective Miles Davis vibe on Janeway's ballad, "Another Chance."

These dozen tracks are comprised of half originals from the pianist and the remainder from the Great American Songbook and jazz standards. It is as good an indication of Janeway's writing that the title tune sits between the Cross/Williams standard, "I Should Care," and Joe Henderson's "Black Narcissus." It is no small feat to say that not only is Janeway's playing sparkling but so is his ability to write tuneful compositions.

The liner notes make a point of comparing Janeway with McCoy Tyner as an individualist piano player. Tyner may not be a specific reference point, but Janeway's individuality as a player is evident right from the opening notes of "Viscosity." Janeway and this well-meshed trio leap sure-footedly into the tune with fresh ideas. Janeway also has a propensity to launch into Latin phrases quite unexpectedly, adding to the improvisational aspect of his delivery.

Janeway was born in Rochester, New York, relocating to Detroit and was a student of the late pianist Albert Dailey. He has the experience of working at several important New York venues and with many jazz notables. His first albums Entry Point (New Direction LP 1986) and Inside Out (Timeless, 1993) both included horns like Sonny Fortune, Marcus Belgrave and Bob Berg. This album is a fine opportunity to appreciate Janeway, the composer and stylist, in a trio format.

To Listen to the CD-Excursion go to:

itunes.com

cdbaby.com.

THE ANN ARBOR NEWS

REVIEW OF "INSIDE OUT"

(Timeless CD SJP 402)

By Michael G. Nastos

The former Detroit-to-Lansing based pianist, now in New York working as a psychiatrist and jazz musician, has this, his second LP, reissued on the Dutch based Timeless label from his original New Directions label CD. It features six originals and one standard, the delicate "Three Little Words".

This straight-ahead ensemble takes only a few chances within the post-bop idiom. They occasionally pop off in a modal framework, with a singing sound that fairly jumps out, especially on the dedication to Kenny Dorham, "Uncrowned King," which leads off the CD.

Janeway has chosen some heavyweights for help. Drummer Billy Hart, who is the driving force here throughout, provides the percussive propulsion in his own inimitable and professional way. Sonny Fortune, a Coltrane disciple with an original voice on alto sax and flute, takes the band to a higher plateau. And there's an occasional burst from Russian trumpeter, ex-Art Blakey sideman Valery Ponamarev.

There is a strong feeling of democracy here. Janeway's not that powerful a presence, but he adds to the group feeling by not dominating. Like the bands of Blakey, Horace Silver and Duke Pearson, Janeway does not lead by example, he merely chooses familiar pathways and lets his quite able sideman lead the way.

This is pleasant contemporary jazz that is easy to enjoy. Janeway is playing a lot with Latin bands in NYC but this is not reflected on this disc. Perhaps the next release will tell further of his excursions, and expose personal vistas into the inner psyche of his own being. For now this will do just fine.

INSIDE OUT is available at:

Amazon.com

TimelessRecords.com

Personnel:

David Janeway-Piano, composer, arranger

Sonny Fortune, Alto sax, flute

Billy Hart-Drums

Valery Ponomarev-Trumpet

Chip Jackson-Bass

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