Jeff Hellmer Trio
Peak Moments (Viewpoint)
Austin still may not yet be renowned for its jazz scene, but the few jazz albums that do come out of our fair city each year tend to be substantive, noteworthy projects. A case in point is this rock solid date from pianist and UT jazz professor, Jeff Hellmer. When not toiling in the rarified hallways of academia, Hellmer can be found gigging around town as an active member of the local scene. His articulate and unpretentious playing has made him, in particular, a favorite accompanist among Austin’s jazz singers. For this date, Hellmer has enlisted world class saxophonist Rick Margitza, a recording and performing alumnus of Miles Davis, who breathes fire when necessary, but here sticks primarily to unfettered mainstream fare. His presence alone lends the session an extra level of credibility that’s often missing from local recording endeavors. Besides the requisite standards, compositional chores are spread around with Hellmer providing “Peak Moments,” while Margitza adds “Heart of Hearts” and “14 Bar Blues,” both of which appeared on his recent album on Palmetto Records. Bassist John Fremgen contributes the lovely ballad, “Song for Laurie,” which also provides him some instrumental space. It’s impossible to talk about this session without mentioning the recent passing of veteran drummer A.D. Mannion, whose death coincided with the release of the album. Austin’s jazz drummer of choice, an impeccable musician and the consummate team player, Mannion felt this was his best work to date. He’ll get no argument from this quarter, and will be dearly missed by the jazz community, and indeed, his untimely passing will forever lend a bittersweet aura to this memorable project.
This article appears in September 8 • 2000.