Stanley Cowell Trio - Sienna (SteepleChase, 1989)

This post is by Scott and Dan

Stanley Cowell (p); Ron McClure (b); Keith Copeland (d)

Recorded on July 8, 1989

Stanley Cowell will always be remembered as a "thinking" musician, which by no means should detract from his recorded legacy. His academic teaching fueled his own composing and performing, which culminated in Sienna, his "finest moment on record" according to The Penguin Jazz Guide (2010, p. 532). We tend to agree while not wishing to minimize his career accomplishments and contributions to jazz over 50 years. 

Sienna is one of hundreds of piano trio albums recorded during the 1980s, but it stands apart from most because of the depth of the compositions and the virtuosity that Cowell brings to the program of six originals and three jazz staples. "I Think It's Time to Say Goodbye Again," the second track on the album, is a gently developed and uncommonly expressive ballad that portrays deep affection and sadness, as the title suggests it should. It's definitely the product of a "thinker," but not in the least "cerebral." 

The third track is Monk's oft-covered "Evidence," a tune that most players shy away from interpreting differently than Monk's version. Cowell's version is obviously Monk-like but not slavish to the canon. It bounces and soars in an uplifting way. After Ron McClure's solo spot, Cowell closes the tune with a remarkable chorus that finds his left hand stabbing out the bare melody while his right hand races up and down the keyboard. Simply amazing!

"Sylvia's Place" is another great original, full of rhythmic and melodic complexities that don't sound "studied," even though they are studious. "Dis Place" is Cowell's unique approach to the blues. Like "Evidence," it shows how Cowell delights in finding fresh avenues to explore on conventional material. The album closes with Bud Powell's "Celia," a tribute to an important influence on Cowell's style and a great demonstration of how lyrical bebop could be. 

The CD reissue includes two long tracks that do not appear on the LP. The LP program is more concise and focused than the CD, but either one is highly recommended.