Jason Rebello brings emotive piano mastery to Stapleford Granary
Anne Templer
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
The revered pianist delivered an impressive set of originals and classics by Herbie Hancock, Errol Garner and The Beatles and more
Jason Rebello opened his performance at Stapleford Granary with a collective breathing out and a sense that all was right with the world. Appropriately named, his first piece - entitled ‘Happy, But For How Long’ started with a free but soft introduction and then settled into a sunny day Latin vibe, making everyone in the room smile. Indeed, optimism was very much the feeling of this performance as he settled into a set list that was unashamedly uplifting and drew on a list of standards recognisable to many.
Among the standards were pieces by Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Van Heusen, Errol Garner and Cole Porter and Rebello’s interpretation of them added a freshness and energy that was always moving forward but drawing on the language of some of his favourite pianists. He said that his biggest musical influence was probably Herbie Hancock, but there were definitely flashes of Keith Jarrett in his playing and ‘Darn that Dream’ seemed to draw on the voicings of Bill Evans, married gracefully with Rebello’s unique sense of phrasing.
Rebello’s individual voice is clearly influenced by his many collaborations with other artists, with musicians ranging from Sting, to Jeff Beck, to Chaka Khan, and this distinctiveness was often exemplified by his highly developed - almost relentless - sense of rhythm. It was no surprise that he had the chops of a pianist who could cover all instruments, but there were times when he literally seemed to cover the roles of a rhythm section with simultaneous, graceful comping and lyrical melody lines. Everything from stride piano to spacious ballads felt easy and made a real connection with the audience.
Communication was in fact one of Rebello’s greatest gifts during this performance and he was relaxed both in his playing and through his amiable chats with the audience. Appropriately, they roared for more as the concert drew to a close and were rewarded with an encore of Paul McCartney’s ‘Blackbird.’ It was a delicious end to a really joyful afternoon.
