Review of Micah Thomas Trio's new album: "Reveal"
Micah Thomas has quickly entered my pantheon of favorite contemporary pianists since first seeing him live, where I was struck by his serious, professorial energy despite being only 25. His playing conveys a matching sense of solemn gravity and maturity, while still remaining playful when the moment calls for it.
The trio album displays Thomas’s astonishing virtuosity across numerous gorgeous and unconventional melodies. On multiple tracks, the band vamps on these melodies for extended lengths of time, expertly playing off of one another, generating new energetic peaks and valleys within. My favorite track, “Lightening,” concludes with multiple runs through on the head with layers of depth added on each repetition. The space and attention given to the melodies left me humming them throughout the day, despite being entirely original compositions with no standards to speak of on the track list.
Thomas’s impeccable touch on the piano is showcased on “Look at the Birds.” The tune is peppered with borderline staccato interjections from the left hand that manage to still remain dampened and soft. The trio’s perfectly synced interactions during these harmonic hits displays a deep connection between the three musicians, who express an incredible dynamic range on the soft, flowing tune. Melodic and energetic contrasts are enhanced and enabled by Thomas’s thoughtful precision, adding a depth that makes the melody more engaging with every play through.
Listening to Micah’s improvisations creates a sonic sensation of waves, crashing with dense harmonies, rapid but controlled time feel shifts, and melodic ideas that are totally his own. He rips out original lines while grooving in the pocket as tight as anyone, but also unleashes upon a couple of looser tunes that lean in a much freer direction. In either context, his deeply original voice carries through.
“His playing has restlessly inventive and futuristic tilt while simultaneously remaining deeply rooted in the history of the music” - Aaron Parks
The album is available on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/album/4qHth7RtxTPuE406MGm7gJ?si=9KW5iE1ySsaz2UqdK9gGYg
