Beloved by critics and fans, pianist Fred Hersch has earned every bit of his accolades. Soaked in jazz tradition, but equally driven to pursue his own distinctive vision, Hersch possesses one of the most divine keyboard techniques of anyone currently working. Clearly classically trained, the Cincinnati native is more likely to imply his skill than put it on display, putting the tunes in charge on his latest album The Surrounding Green.
Appropriately enough for an album that treats melody as nearly sacred, Hersch’s opener “Plainsong” gently but firmly calls down the spirits, clearing the decks for the journey. The pianist leans into the lush theme of the title track, letting the song be the guide for his plangent chording and measured riffs. He fully engages bassist Drew Gress and drummer Joey Baron on Ornette Coleman’s pun-titled “Law Years,” the Gershwins’ “Embraceable You,” and Egberto Gismonti’s “Palhaço,” riding the subtly swinging rhythms like a surfer and showing off the trio’s like-minded interplay. Hersch even lets Gress take the lead on late bass great Charlie Haden’s gorgeous “First Song,” before firing up some Latin rhythms on his frisky, funtastic “Anticipation.”
Though clearly capable of virtuoso solos and cheekily complicated compositions, Hersch would rather use his impressive technique in service to the song, letting the audience in without much effort required. The Surrounding Green brings Hersch’s melody-first approach to an accessible and satisfying peak.
