I BELIEVE Seldom do you come across a keyboardist/composer as prolific and versatile as Jamie Rhind. Among his literally hundreds of tunes, I was elated to learn he had taken time to grace us with a compilation of his best. This latest release, “ I Believe” represents some of Jamie’s greatest playing to date. From the moment you listen in to his Tribute to the late great Flamenco guitarist Paco De Lucia, you discover how effortlessly his phrasing pays homage to the most memorable of the lyrical stylings Paco was known for. The title track,” I Believe”, demonstrates both Jamie’s versatility and soulfulness – going collectively to the sounds of the Hammond B-3 and Piano to put you right into the pews of the gospel tradition. “Song for My Father” brings us Jamie’s very delicate touch on the famous Horace Silver standard building over a series of choruses that tease us into wanting more… as his lyrical soloing lays down an openness and restraint that few jazz pianists would be able to stay with on a groove like this. Jamie’s “Prayer for Paris”, penned within hours of the tragic shootings there, gives us a glimpse inside the heart of a musician expressing a sense of true sorrow and loss – one that reminds of the gift of music to try to make sense of the often senseless nature of our world. Its melancholy solo and soulfulness pay universal homage to the loss we all felt. Similarly, “Crying to Myself” continues the soulful and sadness of Jamie’s expressiveness and heart around the recent loss of his mother. A fitting tribute to her gift of life. “My Funny Valentine” brings a smile back to the CD and to this popular love balad through the light and funky touches of Jamie’s electric piano solo – reminiscent of the tastytouch and R&B style piano of Joe Sample (Jazz Crusaders). “Love of my Life”, my personal favorite on the release, beautifully blends pastoral piano passages that hearken back to the anthemesque film scores of John Barry (Out of Africa). Never one to miss out on the Latin tinge in Jazz, Jamie’s “Old San Juan” features both lyrical and staccato flute solos that take you right back to the steamy and sultry dance clubs in the narrow streets of Old San Juan. “Blues for Alice” takes a more relaxed, bouncy approach that gives us a serene sense of Jamie’s solo style that ping pongs from side to side stereophonically – reminiscent of the Fender Rhodes playing of Stevie Wonder. A joy to just kick back and take in. The release closes with the forceful fusion number entitled “Wizard”. One need not listen too long to notice the influences of Return to Forever and Weather Report within this epic-sounding journey down the suspenseful rhythm track. Again, Jamie’s solo takes us on a ride from tension to resolve. As one half of his initial double release set with Barcelona, “I Believe” is a wonderful expose of the keyboard versatility, prolific composition and unique solo style that is Jamie Rhind – one of the east coast’s great keyboard talents. This disc is a real treat for listener and musician alike. - Alan Schulman, New York, December 7, 2015 I would like to dedicate this album to my late mother and father, who helped instill in me the musical love, training and appreciation that continues to inspire me every day. A huge thanks to Bryan Dietz for his beautiful layout and album design of I Believe. - Jamie Rhind