Cyrus Chestnut's
The Dark Before the Dawn is a mature, versatile album.
Chestnut and his trio members -- Steve Kirby (bass) and
Clarence Penn (drums) -- provide their fortunate listeners with a little bit of everything on this collection.
Chestnut pays homage to
John Coltrane, and his brilliant "Giant Steps," on the lightning fast "Steps of Trane," and gives J.S. Bach a swinging, 21st century twist on the interesting "Baroque Impressions." "My Funny Valentine" is slow and spacious and represents
Chestnut's best ballad playing to date. Mix in originals such as the confident "Sentimentalia," the pretty "The Mirrored Window," the playful "Call Me Later" and the show-stopping "Kattin'." Kirby lays down a rock-solid musical foundation and
Penn generates the rhythmic fire, but it is
Chestnut who breathes life and soul and meaning into these tunes. He has the unique ability to make complicated music both approachable and enjoyable. The listener won't realize it, but will eventually notice their toes tapping and their fingers snapping to this recommended set. ~ Brian Bartolini