[SteepleChase Records]
A chance encounter and a shared interest in the ideas of the monk Thomas Merton were enough for pianist Fred Hersch and vibraphonist Dick Sisto to forge a musical friendship and make recordings together, including *Love Grows Deep*.
By the time their paths crossed in the early 1990s, Fred Hersch had already established a formidable reputation. Dick Sisto was less well-known, despite considerable experience—including collaborations with Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire) and a soundtrack for the documentary *Soul Searching*, which focused on the monk Thomas Merton. Merton’s vision regarding the connection between art and spirituality fostered a strong bond between the two musicians. In 1995, they recorded their first album, *American Love Song*, which Sisto released independently; they were accompanied by Hersch’s regular associates, Drew Gress and Tom Rainey. Thirty years later, SteepleChase reissued the album under the title *Falling In Love*.
Now comes *Love Grows Deeper*, a live recording of a 2001 concert; a portion of this material had previously been released on the small independent label Ear X-tasy Records. With the addition of five extra tracks, the complete performance is now available on CD. It is fascinating to hear how Hersch’s style evolved over the years and to observe that lyrical elements were already a key component of his playing. Sisto adapts beautifully to this approach. While both musicians certainly employ percussive and even groovy techniques—incorporating swinging passages and even a touch of ragtime—the setlist inevitably includes a number of standards and a Thelonious Monk composition alongside original works by the duo. A truly compelling archival recording.
© Georges Tonla Briquet