|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Review by Bill Binkelman One thing that's instantly apparent on Rhythmic Jubilee (well, by the first minute of the first track at least) is that Ophelia can play some mean piano! She really lights it up, folks. This is no George Winston CD, so don't come looking for a laid-back relaxing musical excursion. Despite the presence of palm trees on the cover of the album, this is high octane passionate jazz fusion music, literally exploding at times with energy and fire. I was reminded of albums such as McCoy Tyner's Trident more than once. On almost every track, Ophelia is joined by drummer Jo Tan Afanador and bassist Stevestyles Rodriguez, and on some tracks by violinist Larry Deming with additional keys and piano on one song from Paula Handberry, who I assume is the artist's sister since Ophelia last name is the same. The rhythm section on this album is among the strongest and tightest I've heard in a while. Afanador and Rodriguez stay with Ophelia's high-spirited pyrotechnics on, e.g. the opening title track, as well as providing appropriate support on the more relaxed (relatively speaking as nothing here is actually THAT relaxed) vibe on songs like "Pale Golden Moon." Besides playing piano, Ophelia also handles some synth strings on the song "Island Beat" and some synth and marimba on the title track. But, of course, it's her piano playing that dominates this CD. Dominates is actually too mild a word. Her fiercely dramatic keyboard artistry literally grabs your attention and seldom lets you go. Violinist Deming gives her a run for the money, though. He can obviously play too as evidenced on "Sun Screams" where the two of them go back and forth, lighting up the skies with their talent. Probably the slowest cut on the album, and the one that comes the closest to approaching a new age music sensibility, is "Crossroads," although the song still features plenty of kinetic drum work by Afanador, but at a lower energy level than other selections. "Travelin' " which fires up immediately after it, resets to zero and gets the blood pumping and feet tapping with Ophelia's rapid runs on the piano as well as plenty of pumping bass and a jazzy funky rhythm laid down on the drums. "Tropical Moon" closes out the album with its slowly evolving eight and half minutes, starting off with introspective solo piano as the notes sparkle like moonlight off the surface of the ocean. Soon enough, all the players gather in and the tune heads into cheery and funky territory, with everyone seeming to have a great time playing together. The other longer than usual song on the album is the piano duet (plus rhythm accompaniment) "Island Beat" which (not surprisingly) has the strongest element of world fusion running through its seven and a half minutes, evoking the sun-drenched party atmosphere of the Caribbean (although the use of tropical-sounding percussion instruments throughout the album lends most cuts at least a partial "island" feel). Rhythmic Jubilee is appropriately titled, since the word jubilee is synonymous with "festival" or "celebration" which this album assuredly is, i.e. festive and celebratory. When you want to dance around your house feeling glad to be alive, this is the CD to reach for. In the hands of Ophelia and company, your cares should be chased away and replaced by smiles and laughter, along with the desire to visit a sandy beach or two, I'd warrant. Recommended, especially to fans of jazz piano (and not smooth jazz...this is the real deal!). |
|
