For those unaware, keyboardist, pianist, composer and arranger Jeff Babko is thrilled to announce the June 23rd, 2023 release of The Libretto Show, a vigorous duo foray recorded live at the budding Libretto Jazz Lounge in Paso Robles, California.

In collaboration with heralded Canadian bassist David Piltch, Babko presents the first live album taped at this intimate, new venue.

A Steinway became the impetus for Babko’s association with the space. The multifaceted pianist, who has toured with household names such as TOTO, James Taylor and Sheryl Crow, stopped into a coffee shop one day and upon striking up a chat with the owner, Cory Jordan, discovered that the two of them held a mutual love for great pianos.

Along with the coffee shop, Jordan had also just opened the intimate Libretto Jazz Lounge, furnished with a Steinway 9’ Model D “CD 213” – the first choice of pianists like John Williams, Emanuel Ax and Lang Lang.

While Libretto continued to grow as a destination for LA-based musicians, Babko conjured new ideas for an evening in the space. Six months after the venue opened, he left his own impression on the celebrated Steinway and invited the eminent David Piltch to join.

Predicting that Piltch’s contributions would be as consummate as they were visceral, Babko knew he ought to have the performance taped. Recorded by engineer Jimmy Dixon and expertly mastered by Eric Boulanger, the seven-tune performance captured this brilliant bond while cataloging the extraordinary and singular pleasures of live jazz.

1. Dorothy (4:05)
2. Fair Enough (4:50)
3. Quiet Now (4:35)
4. Ligia (7:00)
5. Souvenirs of Hollywood (7:24)
6. Brethren From Another Methren (6:46)
7. Blue and Red (9:00)

This simply magnificent, impassioned, and expertly crafted new recording opens on a New York State of Mind-hued, albeit Dr. John’s Dorothy and then brings us the upright bass-led, Babko original Fair Enough, before we are lovingly brought forth pianist Denny Zietlin’s ornately dutiful Quiet Now and then Babko’s nod to his Latin influences on a rendition of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s languishing, yet veritably shimmering Ligia.

Captured during the aforementioned live magical moments within the confines of a small club in Paso Robles, CA, next up violinist Songa Lee, Babko’s wife joins the fray, and thus we get to hear their interpretation of Jobim’s melody Souvenirs of Hollywood, the set rounding out on a tribute to Babko’s friend and radio co-host DJ Brad Barker (JazzFM Toronto), the upbeat and joyously sculpted Brethren From Another Methren, the improvisational magnificence of the duo coming to the fore on the closing Blue and Red (all be they a rather delightful bonus track entitled A Rescue).

Official Purchase Link

www.jeffbabko.com