STEVE KOVEN TRIO plays Jazz Bistro on May 2, 3 and 4. See listing. Rating: NNN
Piano virtuoso Steve Koven is the local jazz scene’s unsung hero. Though better known in far-flung jazz-crazy places like Japan, Koven and his trio – Rob Clutton on bass and Anthony Michelli on drums – remain a Toronto staple. In fact, they headline a series of shows next month at Jazz Bistro, former home of beloved jazz hot spot Top o’ the Senator.
The band celebrate two decades together on their new collection of feel-good tunes that emphasize Koven’s vibrant piano-playing. On Bongo Bob, sprightly piano and roving bass coalesce with a drum solo, while Lolaland starts with a deep bass line until a cheery piano line carries the song to the end.
Most of the compositions highlight Koven’s traditional approach to songwriting, making for an enjoyable but at times uninteresting listen. The more experimental, emotional songs, however, are strongest. Final track Artists has a brooding bass violin, a soft piano melody and drumming that sounds like raindrops.
Top track: Artists
