David Janeway: Inside Out

Review by Michael G. Nastos/Ann Arbor News, 1993
Timeless Records SJP 402/1993
Personnel: David Janeway-piano, Billy Hart-drums, Sonny Fortune-alto sax/flute, Valery Ponamarev-trumpet, Chip Jackson-bass

The former Detroit-to-Lansing based pianist, now in New York working as a psychiatrist and jazz musician, has this, his second CD released on the Dutch based Timeless label. It features six originals and one standard, the delicate, "Three Little Words."

This straight-ahead ensemble takes only a few chances within the post-bop idiom. They occasionally pop off in a modal framework, with a singing sound that fairly jumps out, especially  on the dedication to Kenny Dorham, "Uncrowned King", which leads off the CD.

Janeway has chosen some heavyweights for help. Drummer Billy Hart, who is the driving force here throughout, provides the percussive propulsion in his own inimitable and professional way. Sonny Fortune, a Coltrane disciple with an original voice on alto sax and flute, takes the band to a higher plateau. And there's an occasional burst from Russian trumpeter, ex-Art Blakey sideman, Valery Ponamarev. 

There is a strong feeling of democracy here as Janeway adds to the group feeling by not dominating. Like the bands of Blakey, Horace Silver and Duke Pearson, Janeway does not lead by example, he merely chooses familiar pathways and lets his quite able sidemen lead the way. 

This is pleasant contemporary jazz this is easy to enjoy. Janeway is playing a lot with Latin bands in NYC but this is not reflected on this disc. Perhaps the next release will tell further of his excursions, and expose personal vistas into the inner psyche of his own being. For now this will do just fine. 

CD available at Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby, Spotify.