Arnold Klos Trio - Elsa (2009)

Whisper, if you really love me. With deep respect for Bill Evans as his blood and flesh... Arnold Kross' perfected pianism overflows with joy.

What is the most powerful love phrase for Osaka people? It's "I love you." You may wonder what he's saying. This is about expressing affection. "I love you" is cool. However, people hesitate to say it. The more genuine the feelings are, the more false the bare words seem, and the deeper the feelings are, the more modest the expression itself becomes. Eh? What's modest about "I love you"? The words are very ordinary. However, it's because it is a way of expressing sincerity in the attitude of the person who speaks them out loud.

Listening to Arnold Kross's new album for the first time in two years, I felt like I could hear "I love you" coming from his piano. It's a sign of respect for Bill Evans that he himself has said many times. There are four tracks that he has selected with the Evans stamp on them, Tr.1, 3, 8, and 11. Those who know will know, but this is a very "strong" selection. Tr.1 is "handle with care" level. You think it's going to be full of Evans... but it's actually a very relaxed and good performance. There, you notice the depth of the "love". There is no need to scratch the surface anymore. Evans has become the flesh and blood of Arnold Cross. There you can see the complete style of Cross. That is why he "likes" Evans. Of course, when you listen to Tr.6, you'll think "Oh, Evans!" What a nice touch. It's wonderful.

By the way, the jacket that visualizes the sweet, yet slightly hollow feeling of spring is also great! So, I "like" this CD.

Text by Kitami Hiiragi