Shamie Royston - Beautiful Liar (2018)

"Our light shines brightest in the darkness and things in life don't always turn out the way that we have planned". It is with these maxims in mind that the brilliant US pianist and composer Shamie Royston presents her recording, 'Beautiful Liar'.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Royston has been an integral part of the New York jazz scene as a performer and educator. Her contributions as a pianist can be heard alongside celebrated leaders like Tia Fuller, Ralph Peterson, Sean Jones and Terri Lyne Carrington.

The core sound is that of the piano trio, embellished by one or two horns for different sonic possibilities. Drummer Rudy Royston provides a strong rhythmic foundation and centric fire when paired up with bassist Yasushi Nakamura, whose strong bass presence is essential to the leader's compositions.

Royston expands the ensemble on a number of pieces, exploring possibilities of a quartet and of a quintet. The melodic approach of saxophonist Jaleel Shaw serves as a perfect voice for Royston's compositions. Royston also adds trumpet player Josh Evans, who ignites a sound of juxtaposing harmonies into 'Beautiful Liar'.