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Ernest Turner has been working with some top names in jazz and pop for over 20 years, but he did not record as a leader until he put out “My Americana” this year. In many ways it has been worth the wait as this is not the work of a newbie, instead, “Americana” presents the well developed artistry of someone who has had plenty of time to formulate their approach to the piano trio. The CD’s title is reference to the fact that Turner is presenting his idea of a ‘great American songbook’ from an African-American perspective, hence the inclusion of tunes by Stevie Wonder, and Thelonious Monk, as well as a couple of well known gospel songs. The variety in the choice of songs is also reflected in Turner’s eclectic approach to the piano where his playing can range from cutting edge current to old school funky and down home soulful.
The album opens on that cutting edge tip with the turbulent intensity of “Return of Thanos”, a Turner original that carries one of the hottest piano solos you will hear this year. This, along with the other two Turner originals are probably the highlights of the album, the covers are all great, but Turner turns in his best solos on his self-penned numbers. Of the covers, Wonder’s “If It’s Magic” takes on a Brad Mehldau type air as Turner plays a hypnotic art pop vamp topped with an elastic solo that slips in and out of time. Fats Waller’s “Aint Misbehain” is barely recognizable as it has been altered and modernized to the extreme, I didn’t even know that was the tune I just heard until I saw the track list. Gospel music is something that cannot be faked, either you grew up in the church playing it, or it will be obvious you didn’t. Turner’s rendition of “Precious Lord” is drenched in all of those classic church rhythms and phrases, you can almost see the older women with their fans working back and forth.
There are so many great pianists these days, but Ernest Turner is ready to take his place along side the best of them. Much in the way of Jason Moran or Herbie Hancock, Ernest can play as technical and complicated as anyone, but he can also reach deep into the blues and play something that is just plain fun. His solos are never dull and I find myself wishing they would go on longer. I should also mention that Jon Curry on drums and Lance Scott on bass comprise a killer rhythm section and their well placed solo spots add to the overall arrangements.