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by MrGando 1061 days ago
This is a very uninformed opinion that I see very often. In bebop, LH can be deceptively simple (but actually rhythmically it's not so simple). However things have dramatically changed, Brad Mehldau who's a foundational modern jazz pianist, probably the most relevant one after the last Big Tree (Hancock, Corea, Tyner), popularized things like LH counterpoint in jazz. Some of his arrangements if you watch them in mute, you could thing he's playing a Bach Fugue almost. The amount of pianists that followed this style after the 90s, is hard to keep track of, probably every single relevant pianist took things from brad, and LH counterpoint was one of them (a big one there too was Fred Hersch, who heavily influenced Brad).

Then, I recommend you to check out what Sullivan Fortner is doing. Probably the next really heavy one that has managed to push the jazz lang forward after Brad.
2 comments
Jeff_Brown 1061 days ago
Ooh I'm excited to hear a pianist who compares to Brad Mehldau.

While we're at it, just in case there is -- is there any classical composer you know of comparable to Lowell Liebermann[1]?

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sivd3ukh89k

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MrGando 1061 days ago
Sullivan, in terms of where he's taking jazz piano is comparable to the greats in terms of impact at his current age/maturity. This is what Brad said about Sulli last May, when he saw him live in Amsterdam (where Brad lives)

> Got to hear the incomparable Sullivan Fortner last night at @bimhuis in Amsterdam. I’m sure many of you know how unreal his music is … he just blows me away every time I get to hear him. Last night was piano solo.

> Sullivan is deep on all levels—touch, counterpoint, utter relaxation, swing, transparency of ideas, no matter how dense the texture. He takes you through the whole emotional spectrum, unabashed joy included.

> It’s completely rooted and completely original all at once. If you have the chance to hear him, don’t miss it. He is quietly revolutionizing jazz piano playing. Actually piano playing period. (And by the way he can sing like nobody’s business, if that weren’t enough!)

Hard to put it better than Brad... nails the review.

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iainctduncan 1060 days ago
I had the privilege of taking a week long workshop with Sullivan about 6 or 7 years ago, the guy is an absolute beast. I hope we hear more about him, he deserves it.
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MrGando 1059 days ago
Yeah, he's a monster. I'm jealous, would be awesome to hear how did you get that opportunity. :)
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iainctduncan 1057 days ago
He was one of the instructors at the Centrum workshops in Port Townsend. They get amazing people there.
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