Art Hirahara - Balance Point (2020) [Hi-Res]

Pianist Art Hirahara undergoes a transformative journey of self-exploration to discover the "Balance Point" on his fifth release for Posi-Tone. This engaging new record also features several standout performances and meaningful contributions from his trusted collaborators tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Rudy Royston. Hirahara utilizes his visionary talents as a bandleader and virtuoso musician to uncover the hidden possibilities latent in the inner nature of the songs to help make bold collaborative statements while ultimately remaining true to himself. All of the original compositions and arrangements of traditional melodies always contain lyrical elements that are clearly suggestive of a modern jazz sensibility while holding a keen focus on remaining straight forward with some hard swinging highlights. With insightful leadership, an amazing combination of talent and musicianship, along with an evocative program of music, Hirahara s latest release, Balance Point, is sure to bring bright moments of intense delight to serious listeners and jazz fans everywhere.