Ted Piltzecker Brindica

Ted Piltzecker
Brindica
Zoho Music

Originally a trumpet major at the Eastman School of Music and a member of the Jazz Ensemble under Chuck Mangione's direction, Ted Piltzecker started practicing vibes at the time and even wrote some vibes numbers while with the band. He became a full-time vibes player after a tour with The George Shearing Quartet. "Brindica" is his fifth album and first for Zoho Music, and the title reflects cultural influences from Brazil, India, and Africa but he also had stops in Bali, Cuba, Puerto Rico, New Orleans, and Harlem and have woven these diverse musical landscapes into the tapestry of this album.

Recorded in Argentina with a core group of drummer and co-producer Fernando Martinez, pianist Miguel Marengo, bassist Mauricio Dawid and alto saxophonist Carlos Michelini, "Brindica" also features guest appearances by trumpeter Jon Faddis, baritone sax player Gary Smulyan, tenor saxophonist Ralph Lalama, trombonist Matt Hall and steel pan/snare drummer John Wooton. Other guests include classical clarinetist Ayako Oshima and classical flutist Tara Helen O'Connor, and Cuban percussionist Jansel Torres on bata and conga.

Some of the musical influences are heard on the opening Afro-Cuban flavored, "Great Idea! Who Pays?" with Wooten's steel pans adding to the jubilant feel while Michelini adds some taut sax trading fours with the leader's shimmering playing on this joyful performance. Wooten switches to snare drum to help provide the Crescent City grooves of the infectious "Uncle Peck," with Faddis, Smulyan and Lalama weaving in and out of the leader's solo with Faddis blasting off with his solo. Pianist Marengo provides a compelling riff as well as an intricate solo on the Latin-flavored "Feliz Paseo" with another notable solo from Michelini and more infectious player by the leader and this splendid rhythm section.

The title track is a thoroughly-composed composition where Piltzecker blends rhythmic elements of Brazilian and African music. It showcases clarinetist Ayako Oshima and flutist Tara Halen O’Conner. The breezy "Look At It Like This" that was inspired by a trek through the Himalayas and the melody reflects the beautiful little pentatonic tunes sung by his guide Hari. Another selection of note is Taylor Burgess' hauntingly beautiful vocal interpreting Langston Hughes’ iconic poem "What Happens to a Dream Deferred?" with Piltzecker providing an elegant vibes solo.

With fresh, varied compositions, and wonderful performances, Ted Piltzecker has provided listeners with this marvelous recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review appeared in the March-April 2019 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 383), although I have may have made minor changes. Here is Ted Piltzecker playing Duke Ellington's In a Sentimental Mood.