Lynne Arriale Trio Chimes of Freedom

Lynne Arriale Trio
Chimes of Freedom
Challenge Records International

For her 15th album, pianist Lynne Arriale has put together her reflections on freedom, cultural diversity, and her hope for refugee families to find a safe haven among the world's democratic nations. Arriale is joined on this recording by bassist and co-producer Jasper Somsen, and drummer, E. J. Strickland. Singer-songwriter K.J. Denhart adds vocals to two of the ten tunes, seven of which are Arriale originals.

A stark rendition of the spiritual, "Sometimes I Feel like a Motherless Child," opens this recording. Arriale's simple, lyrical playing of this number is matched by the quiet thunder of Strickland to capture the feelings of children separated from parents attempting to come to the U.S. The next seven selections are Arriale's compositions, trying to capture the hopes and angst of refugees. "Journey" is a swinging performance with her arpeggios matched by dramatic chords as she tries to capture the feel of the allure of sanctuary. Somsen's sinewy bass and Strickland's forceful drumming add to the drama.

The somber "Dreamers" represents an effort to depict the angst of the DACA children in current times. At the same time, "3 Million Steps" addresses the refugees trudging from Central America to the southern U.S. with Arriale again displaying her melodic touch in a heartfelt performance. Then there is the openness of "Hope," the blues-tinged "The Whole Truth," and the hymn-like ballad "Lady Liberty," where she further displays her gentle lyricism.

 The celebratory "Reunion" is infused with a Caribbean groove as she imagines the reunification of families torn apart. It is followed by K.J. Denhart's solemn, haunting interpretations of Bob Dylan's "Chimes of Freedom," and Paul Simon's "American Tune." Denhart's singing about "underdogs soldiering in the night," and the many times being forsaken and confused and while all right, being "weary to my bones," reaches deep into the listener's heart with sympathetic simple, restrained backing. Her rendition of "American Tune" joins John Boutté's version as a personal favorite of this song.

Lynne Arriale plays lyrically throughout with clarity, elegance, and grace while Somsen and Strickland complement her with their empathetic playing. The Lynne Arriale Trio's "Chimes of Freedom" is an excellent, stirring recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review originally appeared in the March-April 2020 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 389). Here the Lynne Arriale Trio perform "Journey."