NY Based Pianist Leslie Pintchik Releases New Album

New York-based pianist-composer Leslie Pintchik has released her newest album, Prayer for What Remains. The album features eight original compositions along with covers of Joni Mitchell and The Beatles. As in her previous works, Pintchik's performance spans a range of styles-from the delicate ballad "Private Moment" to the gritty funk of "Just Sayin'" and "Request Denied!" Pintchik shines alongside her longstanding collaborators bassist Scott Hardy and drummer Michael Sarin. Percussionist Satoshi Takeishi and saxophonist Steve Wilson join in on the fun too.

Jazz journalist Allen Morrison, a regular contributor to DownBeat Magazine, contributed liner notes. He rightfully praises Pintchik's unique voice at the piano, noting her "thoughtful, conversational quality" and the remarkable telepathy of her trio. He highlights the "uncanny synergy and creativity" that shines through in the record, particularly in the interactions with Takeishi and Wilson.

Released on her own Pintch Hard Records, Prayer For What Remains features eight original compositions, and two dynamic covers. The album's title track, "Prayer for What Remains," is described as a poignant reflection on mourning and hope, encapsulated in just 28 bars. The piece carries a profound sense of purpose and emotional depth. Another standout, "Later Than We Thought," features a Brazilian-influenced groove with a melody that glides smoothly, ending abruptly to emphasize the theme of time slipping away. Pintchik humorously describes "Request Denied!" as inspired by a minor domestic annoyance-a basketball hoop mounted by her neighbors that led to the tune's creation. Despite its playful origins, the track is a lively and engaging funk number.

The album also includes a beautiful reinterpretation of The Beatles' "I Will," where Pintchik's reharmonization reveals the melody's intrinsic beauty, complemented by Hardy's subtle acoustic guitar. Her take on Joni Mitchell's "Banquet" adds a mournful layer to the original's defiance, showcasing the deep connection between the band members.

"Open Secret" opens with an airy, tempo-free introduction that transitions into an exuberant samba rhythm, delivering a quick burst of energy. The ballad "Grief" follows with a stark, emotive performance, concluding with a haunting bass tremolo and eerie percussion. The album closes with a vibrant live recording of "Just Sayin'" from NYC's Jazz at Kitano, capturing the trio's intricate funk rhythms.

Leslie Pintchik's journey into jazz was unusual. It began after earning a Master of Philosophy degree in seventeenth-century English literature from Columbia University. She first gained recognition on the Manhattan jazz scene with a trio led by legendary bassist Red Mitchell. Since then, her trio has become a fixture at New York City and East Coast jazz venues. Pintchik's discography includes critically acclaimed albums such as So Glad To Be Here (2004), Quartets (2007), and You Eat My Food, You Drink My Wine, You Steal My Girl! (2018), which charted prominently on the jazz radio chart, JazzWeek. Her 2019 live album Same Day Delivery: Leslie Pintchik Trio Live received a four-star review from DownBeat.

With Prayer for What Remains, Leslie Pintchik continues to forge new paths in jazz, offering a deeply personal and emotionally resonant exploration of human resilience and artistic expression. Leslie will be performing in at Klavierhaus, located at 790 11th Ave on Tuesday, September 17.