David Braid: The David Braid Sextet

David Braid, piano

John MacLeod, trumpet; Mike Murley, saxes; Gene Smith, trombone

Steve Wallace, bass; Terry Clarke, drums

DB Productions

Playing Time: 53:35

Anthony Kershaw

David Braid’s eponymous CD is further proof that talent will always find its way. There was a time when self-publication was a mark of death, the last bastion of the talented amateur.  In these days of ‘how did we do this quarter’ corporate mentality, the dam has burst. When Virgin Records axes pop diva Mariah Carey to the tune of 28 big ones just to unload her contract, you know the record business is in serious trouble. As for jazz and classical? Fugetaboudit! For many aspiring artists, signing your own record contract is the only way to go. Bravo, then, to David Braid for this exceptionally assured debut CD. Gathering the musicians, rehearsing, writing the tunes, and producing the album, even for self-publication, is a grand task.

Like most intelligent soloists, Braid surrounds himself with great musicians. Here, the cream of Toronto’s jazz community adds luster and ingenuity to Braid’s singular piano voice -- Boss Brass alumni John MacLeod (trumpet), Steve Wallace (bass), and Terry Clarke (drums) are joined by sax phenom Mike Murley and trombonist Gene Smith.

Things get off to an uninspiring start with the journeyman The Work Song, but pick up immediately with the second track, Say a Silent Prayer. A lovely winding melody, led by the gorgeous tone of MacLeod, leads to inventive solos by Murley and Braid. Steve Wallace’s bass introduces Fishers of Men, an up tempo chart inspiring some bluesy solos in a sixties style (think Lalo Schifrin). Down Home reflects the introspective and is given the best of beginnings by Braid’s Evans-like touch. Our Cloud Nine introduces Bebop to the party via New Orleans. Here, the players are clearly enjoying the proceedings (Murley’s soprano solo, especially).

This feeling of happy collaboration infuses much of the album. It’s a wonderful first effort from a young artist from whom I hope to hear much more. Braid’s tunes have a sense of purpose, eschewing the devil-may-care attitude prevalent in so many jazz releases. To add to the musical qualities, we get a first-rate recording by Andre White (close microphone placement, but great timbre and definition), tasteful artwork, and to top it off, notes by the great Gene Lees. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner.

[CD may be purchased online from http://www.davidbraid.com -Ed]