The Study of Touch

British pianist Django Bates made his ECM leader debut with The Study Of Touch, bringing new life to the piano trio format with bassist Petter Eldh and drummer Peter Bruun. Though primarily a vehicle for the bandleader’s material, it dips into other waters through Charlie Parker’s spirited “Passport” and a tune by Iain Ballamy (“This World”). Bates’s own writing balances time and space as a photographer would regard shadow and light. From the lushly colored “Peonies As Promised” to the monochromatic title track, we are treated to an experience that is equally visual and aural. A stellar record.