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Geoff Keezer "Turn Up The Quiet"

Geoff Keezer's latest release 'Turn Up the Quiet" is swinging at its core, but deeply romantic and artistic everywhere else. In fact, it flirts with being contemporary jazz from time to time. This is a surprise considering this talented young pianist has been typecast as a 'young lion' -- a member of the retro-bop generation. Personally, I'm pleased to see Keezer move away from this often limiting stereotype.

He wisely enlists young jazz stars who clearly enjoy this kind of freedom (Diana Krall, Josh Redman, and Christian McBride). They make it happen in a way that reveals two things: we studied the history, but we're twenty-somethings living in the 90's. For example, after his hypnotic rendition of Lush Life, he turns off the jazz and ignites a pop ballad which is part Portishead, part Stina Nordenstam. He calls it 'Island Palace' and it's beautiful! But just as we start to scratch our heads and say More? -- he returns to the 'tradition' with a swinging blues called 'Madame Grenouille'. Herein lies my conflict: I can't settle into this record.

A pianist's mastery of chords and harmony often leads to the urge to enhance standards, or to write new tunes, in such a way that showcase this ability. Pianists like Richie Beirach took it to an extreme. But Keezer walks that fine line pretty well until we get to his original composition 'Precious One'. It's just too complex to be interesting. Let me defend that by saying, complex can be good. However, this tune turns into intellectual mush. And he follows it with that hackneyed Ivan Lins standard 'Love Dance'. I can't deal with this tune in any context. It was a staple of every fusiod band in the 80's. I think it's time to file it in the trash along with Morning Dance and Songbird.

Keezer closes the session with a Japanese folk song called 'bibo no aozora' flavored by a rich Metheny/Mays type arrangement. It's another twist in this strange blend of an album. You know, it's clear that he didn't want to make a jazz record. But I think other forces intervened. Maybe next time around, he will wisely choose to explore this creative side even more. This record stands out from others in the same genre, but it could be even better.

*** (out of five)

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