Ben Neuman

Ben Neuman: Introductions

by John Barron
August 12, 2009

Chicago pianist Ben Neuman explores the realm of piano trio jazz for his debut release Introductions. A straight-ahead affair with clever re-harmonizations of familiar standards, as well as classics by John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and Horace Silver, the young pianist demonstrates an enlivened approach to hard-swinging improvisation. A pair of Chicago stalwarts, bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer George Fludas join Neuman. Coltrane's challenging “26-2," the disc's opening track, is a bold way to introduce oneself to the listening ...