Search - Cyrus Chestnut :: Genuine Chestnut

The Nut Man's winter soundtrack

Jim Newsom | Norfolk, VA | 06/27/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A mostly mellow outing, Genuine Chestnut nonetheless captures the many moods of this versatile pianist. Drawing from the wellsprings of jazz, gospel, classical, pop and soul, the Baltimore native displays impeccable taste even as he funkifies himself on "Baby Girl's Strut," swings on the straightahead opener "The Brown Soldier" or races through "Mason Dixon Line." Guest guitarist Russell Malone augments the basic trio at times, taking the lead on a beautiful rendition of the old Bread ballad, "If," and a subtle stroll through Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin." But this is really Chestnut's show, and he places a premium on precision and feeling. His originals are never over the top, but are consistently tuneful, light and approachable. His solos are explosive but contained on the upbeat numbers, spacious and lyrical on the slower pieces. This is not groundbreaking stuff, just the sound of acoustic jazz present as good as it gets. --Jim Newsom



Originally published in Port Folio Weekly - February 28, 2006



Copyright 2006 Port Folio Weekly. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission."

Too traditional

S. Michael Bowen | Spokane, WA USA | 04/25/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Roly-poly Cyrus Chestnut has played with Christian McBride and Terrence Blanchard, and he took some creative chances with James Carter while playing keys on Gold Sounds, an album of jazzy Pavement covers. But *Genuine Chestnut* represents a return to the Nut Man's more hidebound roots. A ballad with bossa nova flourishes, "Ellen's Song" - written for Chestnut's wife - is one highlight, and in "Little Girl's Strut," listeners can visualize Chestnut's daughter Jazzmin swaying to the congas. "Mason-Dixon Line," with its upbeat stride runs, recalls Art Tatum - and it's the only time here that Chestnut is joined solely by his two sidemen, drummer Neal Smith and bassist Michael Hawkins (whose solo shines on Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin'"). But "Eyes on the Prize" and "Through the Valley" over-emphasize Steven Kroon's special percussion effects, and neither track develops its ideas' potential. Less adventurous than works by trio leaders like Brad Mehldau or even Bill Charlap, *Genuine Chestnut* is still recommended for fans of gospel- and Latin-inflected piano jazz."