David Braid: "Verge"

Today, we are going to be featuring David Braid, and his recent release "Verge", where he explores the uncharted territory of solo piano. The album has garnered recent attention because it won a 2012 Juno Award. David Braid began his musical career while studying at the University of Toronto. Since then, the student has become the master, winning countless awards, and being a National Jazz Awards recipient. Braid has become most well known for his works with the David Braid Sextet, and his collaborations with Mike Murley. However, recently, he has opened the door to solo piano music, as seen on "Verge". The record features compositions that blend modern classical and jazz idioms together. The first song to note on the album is "Le Phare", which is characterized by Braid's left hand producing a strong bass line, and a powerful rhythm. Despite this, the listener's interest is equally ignited by Braid's right hand, which produces a swaying melody line that pulls you in just like the great romantic pieces of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The next song that we're going to note is "The Way You Look Tonight", which is characterized by Braid's use of a prepared piano ("A piano that has its sound altered by placing objects (preparations) between or on the strings or on the hammers or dampers." (from wikipedia.com)). The sounds created by the preparations almost add a ringing sensation to the song. David Braid has been called one of the most gifted and talented young pianists in Canada. However, with his most recent release, he has also proven to be one of the most innovative as well.  He will be traveling as far as China on his upcoming tour. We here at the Canadian Jazz Review cannot wait for more releases from this talented Canadian jazz artist.

Buy "Verge"

David Braid