Jazz pianist Kevin Field‘s follow up to his 2012 album ‘Field of Vision’ was recorded at Brooklyn Recording Studios in NYC in late 2013, mixed by Kiwi Aaron Nevezie of The Bunker Studio, also in Brooklyn, and features a mix of crème de la crème musicians from both New York and NZ. This album follows Field’s trend of incorporating a wide range of musical inspirations – from straight ahead jazz to RnB, latin to soul and a few other places in between. These inspirations make for harmonically complex, but highly listenable compositions, which are perfect for the combination of musicians he has pulled together for this album.

Ex-pat bassist, Matt Penman and American drummer Obed Calvaire provide the ideal grounding for this ensemble, while US guitarist Nir Felder adds delicious grooves that compliment Field’s melodies, both composed and improvised. Singers Maran Gorgani and Clo Chaperon shine in their features bringing a touch of soul vocals to the proceedings, while percussionist Miguel Fuentes fires up several tracks with demanding, hot rhythms that bounce off the harmonies, taking pieces to another level. I was particularly taken by the melancholic whimsy of Leftfield, the grooves of One Way Traffic and the sheer fun of Perfect Disco. Field’s piano and Rhodes work is (as ever) exquisite – playful, complex, relaxed and, above all, funky. This is a must buy for any fan of NZ jazz as it is an example of one of our best jazz pianists with a group of very fine musicians – truly an ‘A’ list release.