Donald Vega – Spiritual Nature: Live behind the scenes recordings from the Rising Jazz Stars Studios for Donald Vega’s new title “Spiritual Nature” to be released on Resonance Records in August 2012.
It’s a dream come true,” says Donald Vega of the opportunity to record with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Lewis Nash. Spiritually, this is my dream trio.”
Whether functioning as a straight-up trio or a rhythm section, they function like an equilateral triangle throughout the 12-tune, 72-minute recital, chock-a-block with beautiful melodies and intoxicating grooves, all illuminated by Vega’s fluid phrasing and elegant touch. Throughout the proceedings, the 37-year-old pianist who composed four of the pieces and arranged all but one refracts into his own argot the lexicons of such personal heroes as Oscar Peterson, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Monty Alexander, Ahmad Jamal, Hank Jones, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Kenny Barron, and Mulgrew Miller, and draws upon those influences, while developing his own sound. In the process, he establishes his pride of place in any informed conversation about the upper echelons of pianistic jazz expression.
Scorpion
Piano – Donald Vega; Bass – Christian McBride; Drums – Lewis Nash; Sax – Bob Sheppard; Trumpet – Gilbert Castellanos
Accompong
Piano – Donald Vega; Bass – Christian McBride; Drums – Lewis Nash; Guitar – Anthony Wilson
Child’s Play
Piano – Donald Vega; Bass – Christian McBride; Drums – Lewis Nash; Violin – Christian Howes
Spiritual Nature
Piano – Donald Vega; Bass – Christian McBride; Drums – Lewis Nash; Sax – Bob Sheppard ;Trombone – Bob McChesney
