Josh Rager is a major artist on the Montreal jazz scene. The pianist is rather discreet: he releases albums at a sparse pace that are always, however, of very high quality. Heart’s Place, which has just been released on the Alberta label Bent River Records, presents the same degree of excellence that Rager has accustomed us to in the past. This is jazz of great elegance, built mostly on laid-back but groovy rhythms. A ballad (Within Reach) and a fast-paced, neo-bop creation (Centered) complete the program. Two skilfully revisited standards are included: a very beautiful and refined reading of I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face where Rager subtly weaves the melodic fabric of this beautiful song by Lerner and Loewe, and Dreamsville by Henry Mancini.
Ideal jazz for serious jazz clubs, like Dièse Onze and Upstairs here in Montreal, which know how to please both connoisseurs and casual onlookers. Rager has teamed up with the big names of the Montreal scene, Alec Walkington on the double bass and Rich Irwin on the drums, to which he has added a New York friend, the excellent Peter Bernstein on the guitar. The blend of these talented minds is successful, led by Rager’s intelligence. He knows how to create spacious areas of freedom for his partners while maintaining the coherence and solidity of his constructions. Easy, airy rhythms that support clear melodic lines despite their many detours.
Rager is an essential musician of the best jazz made in Montreal even though he doesn’t have half as many albums that befits his genius. So, don’t miss the chance when one comes out.
