Reviews

“…a trio in the true sense of the word.” – John Horler, jazz pianist and Guy’s former teacher.

“…Gardner’s music projects seductive harmonies, and he never overplays. Gardner should have a very rewarding future career.” - Ian Carr, jazz musician and music writer.

“Delicious!!!” - Donna Mcafee, L.A. Jazz TV.

“Given the predilections of his teacher, John Horler, it’s no wonder Gardner elects to follow the [Bill] Evans route on this album. ‘October’s Game’, Gardner’s opening original, is an exercise in subtlety, clevery voiced and reflective.
Tompkins’ splashy but understated cymbals sound like a second voice.
‘Ronolica’ is similarly spare, hand percussion helping to create a quietly exotic mood. ‘Longing’ uses Clyne’s poised Bass lines to complement the melody, more like a series of repeated phrases, the keyboard touch quite pristine. ‘What Is This Thing Called Love’ hits a heartier groove as does a tribute to Jobim, while Strayhorn’s ‘Chelsea Bridge’ is taken solo, its structure laid quietly back. Dick Hammett’s superb recorded sound is another adornment of this thoughtful debut album. I’ll be looking out for Gardner. So should you.”  - Peter Vacher, Jazzwise (on Guy’s debut album ‘Emma’s Dream’).

“No 3 features three contemporary artists that emphasise the lyrical nature of modern mainstream jazz. Like the in-depth retropsection fathered by pianist Bill Evans, the trio’s interpretations take on a humble appearance that moves effortlessly through quiet reflections.
Pianist Guy Gardner provides the trio’s material; two compositions come from other composers. His work allows the trio to wander gracefully along leisurely paths that provide settings conducive to their quiet charm.
Gardner likes to ramble peacefully at the keyboard, expressing folk idiom or melodic fragment in swirls. With the bass and drums in lock-step motion close to his side, the pianist rollicks animatedly with flowing action. He interprets clearly with lucid statements. At times simple, and at times restrained, Gardner likes to let the music shine of it’s own accord. He gives each melody time to settle in, as bassist Jeff Clyne and drummer Trevor Tompkins surround each melodic fragment with velvet.
His solo piano version of ‘Chelsea Bridge’ echoes calmly from the room with a gentle persuasion. His tribute to Tom Jobim takes the trio on an exotic journey through Rio, with a little dissonance added for seasoning. The album’s title track ‘Emma’s Dream’ summarizes the album’s theme, as it finds the trio absorbed in introspective pleasantaries. Soft textured and melodically smooth, the piece allows the trio to waltz gracefully along paths lined with misty moss”. - Jim Santella, All About Jazz (on ‘Emma’s Dream’).