Mark Isaacs' last recording, Closer, was one of 2000's
jazz highlights. This contemporary jazz bristling with fresh ideas and razor sharp vision made
several critics’ top ten lists. Three years later, Mr. Isaacs returns to experiment with the fertile ground
of jazz standards on his trio live recording The Standards Project. Recorded at the
Basement Lounge in Sydney, the Aussie is joined by bassist Jay Anderson (most recently of
Lynne Arriale’s fine trio) and drummer Adam Nussbaum (stix for Patricia Barber). The result is a
cross between the best of Gene Harris' Trios and Keith Jarrett’s Standards Trio.
The Standards Project consists of six lengthy investigations of the American Songbook.
"Skylark" opens the recital with an impressionistic bang that fades into some double
fisted barrelhouse playing. "Gone With The Wind" signals a post bop surprise, with
Adam Nussbaum making as much joyful noise as he can. Wayne Shorter’s
"Footprints" receives a searingly introspective treatment, one that might have been
expected
from Bill Evans. "Somewhere" is the longest piece, clocking in at sixteen-plus minutes.
Here, Isaacs explores fully the harmonic possibilities of the song.
Mark Isaacs has talent to burn, as proven on his previous contemporary jazz record,
Closer, where he performed original compositions--and now he focuses on a standard piano
trio playing standards. The Standards Project is the beginning of what this writer hopes is a full-
blown treatment of the American Canon by an exciting talent.
Editorial Note: The Standards Project is currently not commercially available and deserves a good label home. Labels! Step up and take notice.
Learn more about
Mark Isaacs.
~ C. Michael Bailey
