For those not in the know, Colin Heshmat, who has been part of the New York jazz scene since 2019, although inspired by many earlier piano giants, already has developed his own sound within the jazz modern mainstream. On his studio recording debut Elastic Groove, he captures and celebrates the collaborative spirit of New York’s jazz community.

The pianist is joined by trumpeter Ryo Sasaki, bassist Yuma Takagi, and drummer Ben Cliness on eight originals inspired by his life in New York, and fresh renditions of three standards.

Simply put, Elastic Groove, which features Colin Heshmat as a creative pianist, skilled composer, and an inspired bandleader, is a major step forward for the young artist.

1. Sea Breeze
2. Corner Spot
3. Elastic Groove
4. Centre Street Theme I
5. Centre Street Theme II
6. Ember
7. Morning in Midtown
8. Just Friends
9. Blue Bossa
10. Systems
11. Cantaloupe Island

The promising young jazz pianist, and adventurous improviser opens on the sumptuous Sea Breeze and the perkily playful Corner Spot before we are brought forth the gently strident fare of the titular Elastic Groove, with both parts of his Centre Street Theme along next: the former being the furtively sculpted I, the latter the more languishing beauty of II.

Along next is the spirited fare of Ember and the smooth Morning in Midtown, which are in turn backed seamlessly by the flavorful rhythms and tones of Just Friends, the emotively cultured Blue Bossa, the set rounding out on a sparkling confidence shown within Systems, closing on their beautiful, slow roll rendition of the Herbie Hancock classic Cantaloupe Island.

MUSICIANS:
Colin Heshmat - Piano, Ryo Sasaki - Trumpet, Yuma Takagi - Bass, Ben Cliness - Drums

Colin Heshmat - Elastic Groove [Official Video]

Official Spotify Purchase Link