Bman's Blues Report

ALBUM REVIEW Clay Giberson - Moment's Notice Label: Origin Records Released: October 23, 2026 DR: TBD C lay Giberson is a jazz pianist and composer based in Portland, Oregon, with a style that blends thoughtful songwriting, adventurous improvisation, and a strong sense of melody. Growing up in Washington, with a piano teacher for a mother, music was part of his life from an early age. After studying jazz at the University of Miami and earning a master's degree in music technology in New York, he went on to develop his own voice as a performer, bandleader, and recording artist. Giberson has worked with an impressive range of musicians and explored everything from intimate solo piano to lively, modern jazz with his groups Upper Left Trio and Go By Train. His recordings reflect a curiosity about sound and a willingness to follow an idea wherever it leads, without losing sight of the melody. Now part of Portland's vibr...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Influences , by Jared Hall and it's really solid. Opening with Song For Shaw , influenced by the sounds of Woody Shaw is really hot with a percussive attack by Jared Hall on trumpet paired with John Bishop on drums. Rolling into a terrific groove framed by Michael Glynn on bass and Tal Cohen on piano, Hall really sets the pace with crisp, open-bell attack, Cohen taking his lead plays with exceptional vibrancy, and Bishop adds excellent accent. Glynn gets a turn and lays down a a strong bass solo followed by the vibrant drumming by Bishop.  Powerful opener. Quiet ballad, Dear Roy , a tribute to Roy Hargrove, has a rich melody with Hall leading the way. Cohen picks up on piano with an introspective feel, then back to Hall who carries the melody to the end with lush support of Cohen, Glynn and Bishop. Very nice. Let The Children Dance has a real nice Latin under beat structured by Glynn and Bishop. Hall blows a tigh...