Piano Viberations (The KPM Reissues)

Piano Viberations is a small group jazz album featuring piano and vibes with rhythm, showcasing the talent of Francis Coppieters, one of Belgium's best-kept musical secrets. Released in 1975, this record is arguably the most low-key of the KPM and Themes re-issues, and it is easily our current favorite.

The appropriately-named opener, The Open Highway, immediately demonstrates Coppieters' dexterous interplay between piano and vibes in an assured, joyous fashion. The shuffling bossa of Sales Notes is a jaw-dropper, well-mined by samplers with impeccable taste.

Funky Chimes brilliantly demonstrates Coppieters' quiet majestic side with its slow-motion funk rhythm and beautifully reflective notes throughout. The upbeat and joyful Cross Talk closes out side A, with vibes and piano at the heart of the arrangement.

Piano In Transit is another gem, driven principally by piano but with vibes along for more than just the ride. On a more gentle note, To Shearing With Love is a warm, slow, romantic piece in the style of George Shearing, plaintive and sublime.

Piano Viberations is one of those rare library records where the original description still makes sense today. Piano and vibes with rhythm indeed. The audio for this re-issue comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. The sleeves have also been carefully reproduced by Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM's brand identity.

This LP is remastered on 180 gram vinyl, making it a must-have for any jazz enthusiast's collection.