Someday – Space, elegance and heartiness are all at the forefront

The stupendous sound of American pianist Marc Copland is only matched by his immense creativity and originality. For this quartet session, recorded for his own label, the pianist teams up with bassist Drew Gress, a longtime partner in many musical voyages, and two new additions: Belgian-American saxophonist Robin Verheyen and Californian drummer Mark Ferber. They are not only perfectly integrated with Copland’s playing but also bring their own musical personalities to the setting. Someday is comprised of five original compositions (three by Copland and two by Verheyen) and three jazz standards rendered with the group’s lovely approach to traditional jazz.

Velvety coated, “Someday My Prince Will Come” starts the proceedings with a positively restrained waltzing breath and a disarming relaxation that reflects the quartet’s posture. It’s followed by Copland’s “Spinning Things”, a serious post-bop inflection specifically written for this group. Verheyen shines in a tenor improvisation marked by logical fragmentation, smart intervallic choices, and fluid runs. He ends up exchanging ideas with Copland during the final section.

The saxophonist brings two pieces of his own creation to the program: “Dukish”, a ballad that nods to Duke Ellington with lithe beauty and sincerity, and “Encore”, whose dusky chamber tones are stirred by Ferber’s protruding brush playing. Yet, the most beautiful piece is Copland’s “Round She Goes”, a previously recorded piece (first appeared on a duo recording with Greg Osby) expressed with modal brilliancy. Gress proves he’s in top form; Verheyen takes us above the sky with an impressive soprano statement; and Ferber radiates good vibes in a vamping sequence in the wake of the reintegrated theme.

Copland included one piece each by Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis, namely “Let’s Cool One” and “Nardis”, respectively. The former swings along in a comfortable environment, whereas the latter concludes the album with cyclic 32-bars of sophisticated musicality.

The whole CD, from top to bottom, has Copland and his band inspired to the hilt. Space, elegance and heartiness are all at the forefront.