Larry Goldings, I Will Review

Larry Goldings’ I Will as a Trio of Mind, Hands, and Heart

By Ferell Aubre

Larry Goldings’ latest album, I Will, finds the multifaceted keyboardist showcasing his talent on the piano. Recorded live at Los Angeles’ intimate Sam First venue, the album captures the synergy of Goldings with bassist Karl McComas-Reichl and drummer Christian Euman. The eight-song project delivers an experience that flows in the piano jazz tradition expressed with today’s energy.

“Roach” is a Goldings’ original composition that finds its rhythmic inspiration in drummer Max Roach’s “Driva’man.” The piece is characterized by its edgy, odd-time blues structure. The trio discovers compelling rhythmic patterns while maintaining a cohesive interactive style.

“It Ain’t Necessarily So” is an opportunity to hear Goldings offering his take on the Gershwin classic, infusing it with hard-swinging rhythms and logical trio explorations. His interpretation reflects a confidence in projecting a feel built on a dynamic interplay with the bass and drums.

“I Will” has Goldings emphasizing a nuanced gospel meets folk-jazz overtone. The trio’s delicate touch transforms the performance into a musical journey that highlights their ability to convey emotion. “Mambo Inn” is where the trio delivers a vibrant Latin jazz performance of Mario Bauzá’s composition. McComas-Reichl and Euman provide a buoyant rhythmic foundation, complementing Goldings’ pianistic explorations.

“Embraceable You” presents the trio recording a version of Gershwin’s standard that floats on suspensions of time and belief. This interpretation mirrors his earlier approach as Goldings adopts the deeply textural and conversational approach of his organ style to the jazz piano trio format.

Judee Sill’s “Jesus Was a Cross Maker” is a folk-jazz statement, highlighting Goldings’ genre-fluid approach. The performance blends jazz improvisation with folk sensibilities, creating a unique and compelling soundscape.

“Somewhere,” available exclusively on the digital release, features a rolling-cinematic rendering of the Leonard Bernstein classic. Goldings’ elastic playing conveys an emotion of discovery. Also exclusive to the digital release, “Sing Song” is an original composition that is described as a hero’s-journey storybook piece. It reflects Goldings’ wide-ranging musical influences and experiences, offering a narrative arc that is enjoyable.

I Will is effective in conveying Goldings’ musicality with the jazz piano trio setting. The album captures the trio’s energy during a live performance and their art of engaging listeners to experience the musical journey.