Laszlo Gardony- ‘Signature Time’

Contemporary jazz pianist and composer Laszlo Gardony’s ninth album Signature Time pays tribute to “African-inspired sound.” The album features classic and adaptations of Beatles and jazz songs.

Stan Strickland who plays the saxophone, flute, vocals, and kalimba, Yoron Israel, the drummer, and John Lockwood, the bassist, accompanies Gardony on the album.

The Hungarian pianist resides in Boston as a professor of piano at Berklee College of Music.

About the album Gardony said on the Berklee website, "The lush palette of today's music owes a lot to the birthplace of culture and sound of Africa. The album is an acknowledgment of how the many genres which draw upon the African musical heritage have enriched my own cultural experience and helped shape my voice so that I can speak to what is relevant to me today."

Signature Time explodes with the various musical genres including jazz, funky soulful gospel-based harmony, and dancing and swinging upbeat songs.

The first song off the album is “With You At The Bridge” which is a slow and harmonious tune. It really showcases Gardony’s talent. The rhythm of the bass and drums is relaxing and flow perfectly with Gardony.

The tone shifts to a more upbeat funky sound that is laced with a gospel rhythm in the single “Lady Madonna” which is a Beatles song. The song is blues inspired and the beat of the drums really pieced the song together.

In the following track “Lullaby Of Birdland” Gardony manipulates the sound as he creatively melds the sound of each instrument. Gardony has a piano solo that is eloquent, daring and imaginative. The sound of the bass riffs in and is a key component to the melody. The soft playing of the drums gives a groovy peaceful vibe.

The last track on the album “Bourbon Street Boogie” I feel symbolizes the album. It has a New Orleans jazz and blues sound with the saxophone blowing throughout the entire track. The piano and drums make it into a dancing energetic fun tune.

Signature Time is a creative album that pays tribute to the historical value of African culture and sound.