Mark Soskin - Ballad for a Rainy Afternoon

2021 CD release.

Pianist Mark Soskin has led at least 16 albums, appeared on 75, and displayed both versatility and individuality throughout his career including working with Billy Cobham, Steve Smith, Sonny Rollins (over 15 years), Herbie Mann, and Claudio Roditi. While he has often recorded standards, he is also an excellent composer. Ballad For A Rainy Afternoon teams Soskin with tenor-saxophonist Rich Perry, bassist Jay Anderson, and drummer Matt Wilson, performing seven of his originals plus Ornette Coleman’s “Round Trip” and John Abercrombie’s “Labour Day.” The first five selections are consistently laidback and relaxed but with plenty of inner heat bubbling just beneath the surface. That is always a good description of Rich Perry’s style in general since he has a soft tone, advanced ideas, and displays quiet passion.

With Anderson supplying concise solos and inspired accompaniment, and Wilson keeping the introspective music flowing even when his playing is more felt than heard, Soskin’s songs are treated with taste and subtle creativity. The tender title cut is a highlight. The mood changes altogether on “Man Behind The Curtain” and “Round Trip” with the quartet displaying more overt fire and playing inventive ideas. After the quiet “One Hopeful Day,” Soskin and his quartet cut loose on “Throwing Caution To The Wind.” No matter the mood, Mark Soskin displays an original voice within the modern mainstream. His music is consistently satisfying and deserves a close listen. Ballad For A Rainy Afternoon is easily recommended.

Scott Yanow, LA Jazzscene

Tracklist
1 Labour Day (John Abercrombie) 6:22
2 Ballad For A Rainy Afternoon (Mark Soskin) 9:46
3 Floating (Mark Soskin) 6:14
4 Lefty (Mark Soskin) 6:26
5 Pals (Mark Soskin) 8:53
6 Man Behind The Curtain (Mark Soskin) 8:06
7 Round Trip (Ornette Coleman) 4:14
8 One Hopeful Day (Mark Soskin) 7:51
9 Throwing Caution To The Wind (Mark Soskin) 7:32