Released on May 7, 2013 from Sunnyvale Records, Hungarian pianist Laszlo Gardony’s Clarity is the quintessential album for those who want to hear a true piano virtuoso. Clarity comes almost two decades after Gardony’s celebrated Sunnyvale debut Changing Standards and his talent has become even more refined. A longtime professor at the Berklee College of Music, Gardony his spent his career rubbing elbows with jazz greats including his long running band with John Lockwood and Yoron Israel, as well as captivating trio sessions with Dave Holland, Bob Moses and Miroslav Vitous.
On “Looking Deeper,” listeners will be able to feel the deep passion with which Gardony hits every note. “Settling of a Racing Mind” has a traditional classical bend to it while listeners will be able to sense Gardony’s energy and love of playing his instrument. “Better Place” could be in a romantic comedy motion picture as its positive tempo could be the lead character’s theme as he/or she embarks on a journey of life, love and self-discovery. “Resolution (Perfect Place)” is a tad different than the other tracks as Gardony covers the entire spectrum of the piano with quick yet absolute preciseness. Then, he slows his play and a rather ominous and solemn vibe takes over. Finally, “Resilient Joy” is the perfect title for a song that begins unlike any previous track with its jaunty intro. Listeners could just picture Gardony smiling from ear to ear as he plays this infectiously happy tune.
Clarity from Laszlo Gardony is an affirmation that a pianist with unequivocal skill on his instrument still exists and still puts out albums for those listeners who enjoy a true expert ticking the ivories.