Playdate is a reunion of three childhood friends, pianist
Noah Baerman, saxophonist
Wayne Escoffery, and guitarist
Amanda Monaco. Though
Baerman is listed first on the cover, this project, which includes drummer
Vinnie Sperrazza and bassist Henry Lugo, feels more like a collective project, with no one musician appearing dominant. Escoffrey is likely the most familiar to jazz fans, having recorded extensively as a leader; with his wife, vocalist
Carolyn Leonhart; and also with the Mingus Big Band -- though
Baerman and
Monaco have each released several CDs of their own.
Monaco contributed the conversational post-bop vehicle "Copper Tone," while
Baerman's "Remember the Goldfish" is a playful cooker.
Escoffery's infectious soprano and
Monaco's engaging guitar make up the centerpiece of
Sperrazza's African-flavored "Milan Kundera." Two pieces came from outside the group. The loping ballad "Baby Man" was penned by the late
John Stubblefield in honor of his newborn son back in the 1970s; it became a favorite of the late
Mary Lou Williams. This version is also a tender affair, with lush, soulful tenor and intimate guitar. "Yes, Yes, Oh Yes!" was penned by former
Art Blakey pianist, bandleader, and jazz educator
James Williams, an overlooked gem he recorded near the end of his life.
Playdate is a rewarding session that merits a follow-up date. ~ Ken Dryden