This music was written over a period of several years preceding the recording date. I wrote "The Gentle Giant Suite" quickly, over a two week period after hearing of the loss of (trumpeter/composer/arranger extrodinaire) Kenny Wheeler, in the fall of 2014. He was such a huge inspiration to so many musicians of my generation. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to record and perform with Kenny and I will always cherish those memories. "Gil" is my thank you to the great Gil Evans. I have learned so much from listening and studying his music. I was fortunate to meet him. We both graduated from New England Conservatory in 1985 (he got an honorary Dotorate). Incidently, both Kenny and Gil were born in Toronto, ON, Canada. "Orion" was recorded in a quintet version on "The Rhythm Method" (ADDO, AJR033). This version features stallar solos by Luis Deniz and Jeff King. "Falling" is something I have long played in a trio format. It was recorded on "Fishs Eddy" (ADDO, AJR023) with a trio featuring George Mraz on bass. This version features wonderful solos by Jim Vivian (bass), Sam Dickinson (guitar) and Alastair Kay (trombone). "Spring Sprung In" closes the album. This is my oldest composition and arrangement on the album. It has been recorded many times in trio, quartet and quintet formats. This version features myself on piano, Brian O'Kane (trumpet) and Jim Vivian (bass). It was a great experience putting this music together - I hope you enjoy it! On “Still Waters” (Brian Dickinson, Kenny Wheeler) “Each tune seems more beautiful than the other one does: gorgeous, expansive melodies with unexpected intervals; equally surprising harmonic patterns. To choose a favorite would be an exercise in futility. You’d never know that there is a generation gap between these two Canadians. Their writing, phrasing, and gap filling are so mutual in concept and execution, they seem to be joined at the hip.” Harvey Siders, JazzTimes On “Lee Konitz, the Glenn Gould Sessions” The cool-toned alto saxophonist responds to Dickinson’s swinging accompaniment, delving into a number of standards and memorable jazz compositions, highlighted by the interpretations of "Invitation" and the rhapsodic setting of "If You Could See Me Now." AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden Toronto pianist/composer/bandleader Brian Dickinson leads a quintet on his eleventh CD, “The Rhythm Method” (Addo Records). With a two-sax front-line of Luis Deniz (alto) and Kelly Jefferson (tenor), and a rhythm section of Neil Swanson (bass) and Ted Warren (drums), Dickinson makes a mighty sound, one rooted in the past but certainly forward-leaning in its complexity and meandering side trips (as intoxicating as it gorgeous). The past is represented by the two highlights: 1) “Orion” is a tribute of sorts to Wayne Shorter (still going strong at 83); 2) “Rhythm Method Suite” takes up the last half of the CD (five tracks!) inspired by his biggest influence, the legendary piano player Lennie Tristano [1919-1978]. Is it too early to be thinking of an entry for my 2017 Top 10? By Mike Greenblatt, Music Collector's Magazine