Whether the title is an homage to Bill Evans’ legendary 1961 album or simply a bald statement of the circumstances of the recording, there is no doubt that the hallowed New York basement is as much a character in this sublime performance as Fred Hersch’s long-standing partners, bassist John Hébert and drummer Eric McPherson.
The Cincinatti-born pianist’s relationship with the Vanguard dates back to the late 1970s, and the unique energy and sense of adventure which that crepuscular room engenders in the trio is palpable from the first note.
So when Hersch, the romantic poet of US jazz, says that his new album “represents about as well as we can play”, that means it’s about as well as any trio alive can play.
