Ehud Asherie

Retro-pianist Asherie's aesthetic is a charming throwback to a bygone era of swingin' cats and boppin' lines. This is not a putdown ― far from it. He plays with fluid technique, impeccable rhythmic ideas and a deep knowledge of the jazz tradition, dating back to predecessors like Earl "Fatha" Hines. Joined by likeminded tenor saxist Harry Allen, who also eschews the contemporary sound for a big-bellied tone and a Zoot Sims-/Al Kohn-style of melodic development, the two create a warm, jam-session-at-cocktail-hour vibe that feels as good as it sounds. "I've Told Every Little Star" comes across as vibrant and playful. "No Moon At All" receives the fuzzy-tone treatment by Allen, who gets gruff and growly as he warms to his improv theme. Drummer Chuck Riggs and bassist Joel Forbes play their supporting roles with taste and discretion. Cutting edge the quartet's music isn't. But for more forward leaning folks, Modern Life is a lesson in how to make the tradition come alive in the moment: no mean feat.