Recorded at BiCoastal Music, Ossining, NY on July 9, 2007
"Triple Play" on CD is an inspiring jazz recording by pianist and composer Bill O'Connell, released on the respected label Savant. The album showcases O'Connell's trademark blend of lyrical sensitivity, rhythmic sophistication and Latin-jazz inflections, combined with straight-ahead jazz energy. Across the tracks, he moves fluently between elegant ballads, harmonically rich post-bop pieces and rhythmically driving tunes that highlight both his pianistic virtuosity and his strengths as a composer and bandleader. The interplay with his ensemble is tight and conversational, creating a dynamic "triple" dialogue between melody, harmony and rhythm that makes the recording engaging from start to finish. The CD format ensures a warm, detailed sound that does justice to the nuances of acoustic jazz and invites repeated, focused listening at home.
Bill O'Connell is an established figure in modern jazz and Latin jazz, known for his work as both a leader and a sought-after sideman. Over the years, he has collaborated with prominent artists in the Afro-Caribbean and mainstream jazz scenes and has built a reputation for combining technical command with emotional depth. His previous projects have received critical acclaim in the jazz community for their sophisticated writing, inventive arrangements and powerful piano work, positioning him as a musician's musician and a favorite among discerning jazz listeners. "Triple Play" continues this trajectory and serves as an excellent introduction for new listeners while offering plenty of depth for long-time followers of his music.
Savant, the manufacturer and label behind this release, is recognized as a serious, quality-driven jazz imprint. Focusing on acoustic, artist-centered recordings, Savant has developed a strong reputation among jazz fans and critics for producing albums with high sonic standards, thoughtful repertoire choices and a roster that includes both established names and distinctive newer voices. The label's philosophy emphasizes musical integrity over trends, giving artists space to realize their concepts in full. With "Triple Play," Savant once again provides a carefully produced platform that highlights both the subtle details of the performance and the overall atmosphere of the session, making this CD a valuable addition to any jazz collection.
