The Surrounding Green

Masterful trio interplay reliant on deeply honed three-way communication and a refined sense of understatement make Fred Hersch’s third recording for ECM an essential entry into the piano trio canon. Hersch tackles a handful of 20th century compositions – spanning from standards to less frequented jazz tunes – as well as three originals, with Drew Gress on bass and Joey Baron on drums – two longstanding companions of Fred’s who have played with him on and off since the late 80s and early 90s respectively. “I feel that on this record you really hear the history," the pianist notes. “I hope that people can feel the maturity of the interaction, the sonic world and the sensitivity at play.” Fred’s own pieces are striking in their lyrical intensity, beaming with elaborate harmonies and interwoven counterpoint on “Plainsong”, timeless melodic invention on the title track “The Surrounding Green” and irresistible Latin groove on “Anticipation”. The trio’s pass at Ornette Coleman’s “Law Years” is a post-free swinging affair, while Egberto Gismonti’s “Palhaço” offers an elegant journey of thoughtful trio interaction. And on the Gershwin brothers’ “Embraceable You”, the pianist and his accompanists boast infectious nonchalance. Dedicated to the haunting quality of a melancholy melody, the trio also explores Charlie Haden’s “The First Song”. The late bassist appeared on one of Fred’s earliest studio dates in 1987, also with Baron on drums. Their intimate bond with the song is apparent throughout, making for a particularly stirring interpretation. Recorded in Lugano’s Auditorio Stelio Molo in May 2024, The Surrounding Green was produced by Manfred Eicher.