Ben Markley, Our Walk: Live at Nocturne Review

by Stamish Malcuss

Ben Markley’s Our Walk: Live at Nocturne captures the warmth, daring, and collective spirit of a unique residency where the pianist-composer and his ensemble transformed Denver’s iconic Nocturne Jazz Club into a playground for improvisational exploration. This recording isn’t merely a snapshot of a night’s performance, it’s a heartfelt testament to the symbiotic bond between artist and venue, a place that encourages bold risks, embraces spontaneity, and fosters an ever-evolving musical conversation. In this cozy setting, each evening served as a laboratory for new compositions, uncharted grooves, and the in-the-moment magic that defines jazz at its most authentic.

At the helm is Markley, a pianist, composer, and bandleader who is renowned for his deft touch and imaginative writing. His musical language glimmers through each track, woven together with inspired harmonic movement and catchy melodies. The result is an album with technical finesse and a heartfelt emotional core.

Backing him is a stellar ensemble of longtime collaborators who share in Markley’s spirit of discovery. Guitarist Steve Kovalcheck fuels the journey with rock-tinged riffs and incisive solos that strike a perfect balance between lyricism and edge. Alto saxophonist Wil Swindler contributes a fluid, radiant tone, threading his solos seamlessly into the group’s collective improvisation. The rhythm section flexes its versatility through two bassists, Domi Edson on the first five tracks and Matt Smiley on the final two, both offering a sturdy yet responsive anchor for the soaring melodies above. Meanwhile, drummer Andy Wheelock drives the group forward with propulsive momentum, inviting every member to push the envelope.

“Her Strength and Beauty” is a dedication to Markley’s wife, a muse central to these new pieces. Blending a straight eighth groove with a gritty rock pulse, the track showcases Kovalcheck’s guitar skills, which balance melodic sensitivity and electric bite. Markley then spins the energy further with a piano solo that moves from gentle, patient lines into double-time passages.

“The Melody and Me” has a reflective dialogue between Markley’s piano and the lyrical expressions of Kovalcheck and Swindler. The uncluttered soundscape frames each improviser’s melodic ideas as if in conversation, inviting the audience to lean in. Each voice shines to augment the collective interplay, forming an intimate musical chat rather than a flurry of competing ideas.

“Slow Play” explores a feeling of more room to breathe, the ensemble leans into softer dynamics, uncovering textures and nuances that might be glossed over in a higher-octane tune. It’s a charming moment that introduces another dimension to the group’s range, giving listeners a chance to relish the ensemble’s introspective side.

“Our Walk” unfolds as a musical journey and a love letter, inspired by the relationship that sparked the album’s genesis. Markley, Kovalcheck, and Swindler all step into the spotlight with solos that feel like spirited travelers crossing fresh terrain. Buoyed by mutual trust and a drive for discovery, the track captures the freedom and joy that come from blending personal expression with a collective groove.

“Night on the Mountain” is the musicians stretching out in a 13-minute adventure. The extended form grants each musician ample space to take purposeful improvisations, weaving in and out of composed and spontaneous sections. The interactive exchanges that epitomize the live recording of in-the-moment chemistry so vital to jazz are captured here.

The darker explorations of “Sun on the Snow” sparkles with buoyant melodies and strong rhythmic interplay. You can hear the joy dancing across the keys as Markley’s pianistic reflections come to light. The rhythm section cradles the piece with understated support, culminating in a warm, uplifting track.

For a vivacious finale, “Jife” charges forward with Wheelock’s driving drums at the center of the storm. Markley, Kovalcheck, and Swindler respond with explosive, questing solos that celebrate both their individual artistry and the collective synergy that has guided the entire album. The piece cements the thematic heart of the residency, a tribute to collaboration, risk, and the revelatory power of a live performance.

Our Walk: Live at Nocturne is a live moment recorded in time from a residency that blends personal bonds, experimentation, and the electricity of live jazz. Markley and his ensemble unearth new shades of groove and melody, producing a recording that is both a personal homage and a stirring example of the art form’s boundless potential.