Artist: Dave Fox
Title: Dedication Suite
Label: Umbrella Recordings
Catalog Number: 9071300312 Reviewed by Eddie Becton

Pianist Dave Fox's latest release Dedication Suite , is reminiscent of New York City's creative jazz scene. Fox, however, resides in North Carolina, scores of miles from the Big Apple. Where many jazz fans embrace soft melodies and rhythms of the likes of Horace Silver and McCoy Tyner, Fox not only pushes the envelope, he simply ignites it.

At times, Fox displays subtle harmonies and complex rhythms, and just as the listener begins to settle in, bang, a completely different direction. For example, on Dedication #2: Impromptu , Fox begins with intermittent haunting chords and then settles into an improvisational massaging of the piano chords – literally. In other words, piano notes are interspersed with Fox plucking the piano strings, which make for a collage of harsh tones.

By contrast, Interlude #2: Romance Todeslied , shows a gentle, harmonically emotional side of the pianist. Much of this piece, just under four minutes, is relatively soothing, and demonstrates that Fox does have command of his instrument, it's just that he's playing his way, unabashedly and unapologetically. Similarly, Dedication #3: Tocatta , exemplifies his gentle side and that he's not solely concerned with shocking listeners with unpredictable chord changes and impromptu sounds.

Usually, a production of this type is an acquired taste, largely because of its unpredictable nature and chord structures. The harsh tones may not work for everyone, but, overall, Dedication Suite should appeal to listeners who crave improvisational eclectic sounds. While some may find the myriad chords and changes too challenging, this disc will appeal to fans of avant-garde piano structures, and perhaps even more to musicians of the creative scene so vibrant in New York City, e.g., Vision Fest. If you're looking for mellifluous tones and harmonies ascribed to icon McCoy Tyner, this disc won't work for you. If, however, you enjoy myriad structures and sounds, this disc may prove to be palatable.

Track Listing: Prologue and Innovation/ Mayday/ Dedication #1: Harmonious Prelude/ Interlude #1: m.s.m.g./Dedication #2: Impromptu/ Interlude #2: Romances, Todeslied/ Dedication #3: Toccata/ Finale: Punteado and Susteniendo/ Conclusion and Evocation.

Personnel: Dave Fox – piano.