The Lost Melody - New Songs For Old Souls

The Lost Melody
New Songs For Old Souls
Tie Records

The members of the piano trio, The Lost Melody, have been playing nearly two decades together. Comprised of pianist Joe Davidian, bassist Jamie Ousley, and drummer Austin McMahon, until recently, they performed as the Joe Davidian Trio. Over the years, the band became more of a collective, and the focus changed from playing jazz standards towards their own original music. In so doing, they champion a 'melody first' approach to composition and improvisation.

The three provided ten compositions for this CD. Davidian composed six, while Ousley and McMahon each contributed two. One can detect a variety of influences from Bud Powell, Bill Evans, Jimmy Rowles, and Oscar Peterson in their performances, starting with the energetic opening "Leaving Montserrat" and the enchanting ballad "Sol," by McMahon. Davidian is a striking pianist with his crisp, fluid playing and melodic improvisation. Ousley and McMahon are marvelous in their support as they complement and enhance Davidian's piano." Ousley contributed the waltzes, "A Minor Waltz," and "A Sea of Voices." These are alluringly performed with restraint and eloquence. On Davidian's "Ready Or Not," the pianist's effervescent lead leads to the sympathetic, responsive backing. Then there is the romanticism exhibited on "When First We Met," for which one can imagine lyrics being written for.

"New Songs For Old Souls" is a splendid piano trio recording with plenty of melodic charm, first-rate musicianship, and memorable compositions.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is "A Minor Waltz."