Gabriel Latchin Trio: “Viewpoint” (2023) CD Review

Gabriel Latchin is a talented jazz pianist and composer from London. His new album, Viewpoint, follows 2020’s I’ll Be Home For Christmas, and unlike that release, this one features all original compositions. In fact, this is his first release to contain all original material. This album also features a new trio. Joining the pianist on these tracks are Joe Farnsworth on drums and Jeremy Brown on bass. Joe Farnsworth is known for his work with Eric Alexander, Harold Mabern and others, as well as for his own albums. Jeremy Brown is known for his work in the Peter King Quartet, and for his own quartet. There is a ridiculous amount of talent and experience among the three musicians playing on this album, and it is apparent on every track.

Joe Farnsworth gets “Says Who?” going on drums, and rhythm remains a key element of this track, with its strong bass line. But it is the piano that is the main focus here. This is a lively, sprightly number that feels like it dances into the room and then keeps moving. There is something light about it, the music popping and grooving. In the second half, Jeremy Brown gets a chance to lead things on bass, and then there are some brief drum solos. That is followed by “Prim And Proper.” There is something delightfully playful about this track, the way it struts in as if expecting to be the center of attention. Yeah, this one has a strong sense of character. And from there, it takes on a cooler edge at certain moment. This track has a certain style that is wonderful, a way of moving. As with the opening track, the bass leads in the second half.

The trio slows things down for “A Mother’s Love,” a piece with a warm, gentle sound. There is happiness conveyed here, a kind of intimate joy that does not need any outside influence or response. This track has a beautiful, timeless feel, and is tremendously appealing and comforting. Gabriel Latchin picks up the energy again on “Train Of Thought,” which feels to me like a city’s population in motion. There is a catchy hook on piano in that first section, and things take off from there, eventually leading back to that main theme. If activity on the street could somehow be choreographed and all animosity erased from that activity, folks would walk and conduct their business to this rhythm. Things are happening, and it is all somehow wonderful. Ah, why can’t life be like that?  Things are moving on “A Stitch In Time” too, which begins with drums. There is something dramatic to this piece, feeling like another character-driven tune. And a minute or so into the track, it picks up even more, that bass racing, which is wonderful. This track also features a drum solo that focuses on the snare, and maintains a high level of excitement.

“Bird In The Hand” quickly creates a friendly atmosphere. There is an easygoing vibe about this one, its sound both cool and comforting. That’s followed by “O Mito,” which has a delicious Brazilian vibe. There is a good deal of joy to this track, and with that rhythm, it’s one to get you on your feet. I particularly love the work on drums here, even before that great solo in the track’s second half. That is followed by “Mr. Walton.” The Mr. Walton of the song’s title is Cedar Walton, a jazz pianist. This is another incredibly cool piece, with a great sense of freedom and confidence. I want to be this sure of the world, you know?

“Rest And Be Thankful” has a strong theme on piano that is repeated throughout the first half. Then the piano becomes freer, yet maintains a warm, cheerful disposition. The musicians return to that main theme toward the end. That is followed by “Just The Ticket.” This one is fun, from its opening moments on drums. There is a lighter quality to this piece, and it soon develops a good momentum, featuring some spirited playing, particularly in its second half. The album then concludes with “A Song For Herbie,” a mellower piece that feels like it looks inward, at least at first. Partway through, it begins to grow. There are moments when it feels like things could become tense, but the music always manages to push past those moments, and to maintain a certain beauty.

CD Track List

1. Says Who?
2. Prim And Proper
3. A Mother’s Love
4. Train Of Thought
5. A Stitch In Time
6. Bird In The Hand
7. O Mito
8. Mr. Walton
9. Rest And Be Thankful
10. Just The Ticket
11. A Song For Herbie

Viewpoint is scheduled to be released on April 21, 2023.