Rufus Reid presents Caelan Cardello (Liam Records/Vinyl 2023)

Caelan Cardello (22 years) is a remarkably assured jazz pianist for such a young performer. New Jersey-based and trained, Cardello is now attending Juilliard and will graduate Class of ‘25.

Rufus Reid Presents Caelan Cardello is Cardello’s debut album presented by virtuoso bassist Rufus Reid. Almost 80, Reid has lent his lifetime of experience to teaching and performing. And is now introducing this prodigious talent to the public. Be sure, this is no Svengali relationship. Cardello is such a wonderful pianist, he can hold his own even with a legend like Reid.

From the opening notes of Thad Jones’ “Mean What You Say”, you’ll know you’re in the hands of a master. Actually, two masters. Cardello’s opening phrasing is so beautiful accompanied by a perfectly-voiced left-hand chordal accompaniment. And when either Cardello or Reid solo, it’s tasteful, song appropriate and always leaves you satisfied. Superb musicianship.

The recording is taken from a recent live event in New York City and it captures the lovely acoustics of the Klavierhaus. The short voice intro, audience clapping and Reid’s spoken contributions do not interfere. They enhance the event.

The concert was recorded to 96/24 and mixed by Duke Marcos. The recording is exceptional, with only a few excited high piano note “frequency shouts” as digital artifacts. These rare occurrences in no way affect the enjoyment of this superior recording. Reid’s bass is fulsome and rich and relays the rhythmic impulse he’s trying to project. All this with the remarkable keyboard technique of Juilliard’s latest star performer.

Caelan Cardello. Photo credit: caelancardello.com

The recording is enhanced by no other than mastering engineer Bob Ludwig in what must have been his last assignment before a well-earned retirement. He makes the record sing and swoon and swing. Another five-star Ludwig special.

As far as the Liam Records pressing, my press copy was flat with silent vinyl. Labels were centered and spindle holes were sized correctly.

No matter the repertoire or style, ballad, swing, Latin or blues, Cardello and Reid nail each genre. So, “Bolivia” by Ceder Walton is beautifully in the groove and Paul Chambers’ “Whims of Chambers” is a cool blues. Cardello’s comping over Reid’s “walking” is wonderful on this chart.

In Reid’s chart, “It’s the Nights I Like”, Cardello’s gentle touch is tactile and beautiful then Reid and Cardello swing perfectly together in Benny Golson’s “Stablemates”, where we hear the slightest melodic inspiration from “Tangerine”.

Rufus Reid. Photo credit: Northwestern University

Reid demonstrates his gorgeous tone and controlled vibrato on Tadd Dameron’s “If You Could See Me Now” with more tasteful Cardello comping.

Civilians seemed shocked that the two guys got the gig together so quickly. And that they showed remarkable collaboration and cohesion. And with great musical chemistry. Well, that’s how it works in the jazz world with great artists. And even mere mortals, too. Get to the bandstand, choose the chart, choose the key, count in and go. It’s part of the job requirements. Learn or own The Real Book, woodshed your chords and soloing style, and off you go. It doesn’t hurt that someone as young as Cardello has received excellent training in addition to being hugely talented.

After the very beautiful playing in “It’s the Nights I Like”, Reid says to the audience, “Do you see what I mean? I have to go home and practice!” So gracious and a marvellous musical partner.

For one so young, Caelan Cardello’s playing will take your ears where they have no right to go.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Intro

2. Mean What You Say

3. Bolivia

4. Whims Of Chambers

Side 2

1. It's The Nights I Like

2. Stablemates

3. If You Could See Me Now

180-gram vinyl

Lacquers cut by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab at Blue Heaven Studios

Pressed at Quality Record Pressings

Packaged in a Stoughton Printing old-style, tip-on jacket

Purchase at Acoustic Sounds (no financial affiliation).

This superb LP will join the Audiophilia Dream List © on its next update.

Rufus Reid presents Caelan Cardello was reviewed with this system.