Record Reviews

TAKESHI ASAI ~ TRIO VOL. VI FONO BONO 22 (Barcode: 195269158835) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by Japanese (resident in NY) Jazz pianist / composer Takeshi AsaiFind albums by this artist recorded in a classic piano trio setting with American bassist Bob GingeryFind albums by this artist and drummer Brian WoodruffFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, nine of which are original compositions by Asai and one is an arrangement of a Pop standard. The music is all strictly within the mainstream Jazz idiom, based on highly melodic themes and straightforward improvisation. The performances offer a nice teamwork and the recording offers a well-balanced sound, which result in a pleasant listening experience on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum. The strongest asset of this album are the compositions, which are very lyrical and coherent, serving as an ideal vehicle for the trio’s playground. The rhythm section is very respectful and supports the piano amicably, with occasional soli, and the overall result is well balanced and enjoyable. Overall, this is a classic piano trio Jazz album, which should make the lovers of the idiom very happy, with great melodies and honest, direct execution. Jazz lovers, who like to relax and let the music caress their brain, are the ideal audience for this album.

Updated: 15/05/2022Posted: 15/05/2022

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CHICK COREA ~ TRIO MUSIC ECM 1232/33 (Barcode: 601215945423) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1981 Released: 1990 The members of this great Jazz trio, comprising of pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, bassist Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist, met briefly in the late 1960s, when they recorded Corea´s 2nd album as a leader called "Now He Sings, Now He SobsFind albums with this title", which was one of the great recordings of that period. On this album they continue their musical journey together, now certainly more mature and with a lot of experience behind them. This album, originally released as a double LP, presents the trio in two quite different settings. The music, which was originally present on LP 1, is a set of trio and duo improvisation, whereas the music on LP 2 is a series of compositions by the great Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, uniquely transformed by the trio. With musicians of this caliber one should expect nothing less that perfection, and this is exactly what this album is all about: perfection. The trio simply floats in perfect harmony, from one tune to the next, as if this incredible music was the easiest thing to do, which of course it surely isn´t. Just grab it and immerse yourself in these sounds, blissfully forgetting everything else. Brilliant stuff!

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CHICK COREA ~ TRIO MUSIC LIVE IN EUROPE ECM 1310 (Barcode: 602517758315) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1984 Released: 2008 US pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist has been in the epicenter of modern Jazz for the last five decades, always on top and up-to-date, a living legend. Corea´s recorded legacy accumulated over time amounts to a staggering body of work, presenting him as a prolific and diverse Artist, who can be inventive and intelligent regardless of the musical circumstance he finds himself in, be it Free Jazz, Fusion, contemporary Classical or just straight ahead (well never really "straight ahead") Jazz. This live recording spotlights Corea´s talents as an interpreter of Jazz standards, as well as performing his own compositions and compositions by his fellow musicians. The trio (called "Trio Music") includes two other legendary musicians: bassist Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist and drummer Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist, and is one of Chic´s "regular" groups that he records and tours with. The performance is absolutely stunning, from start to finish and Corea´s virtuosity, great sense of humor and intelligence are simply breathtaking. Brilliant stuff!

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HUBERT DUPONT ~ TRIO AURORE ULTRABOLIC 0507 (Barcode: 3426300102874) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is an album by French bassist / composer / bandleader Hubert DupontFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with Serbian clarinetists / saxophonist Tosha VukmirovicFind albums by this artist and Palestinian percussionist Youssef HbeischFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, three by Dupont, two by Vukmirovic, one by all three trio members and four by other composers. The music presents an interesting amalgam between Balkan and Middle Eastern musical traditions with Jazzy undercurrents and improvisation. The trio offers a subtle acoustic sound, with all the nuances clearly audible, and elegant balance is maintained between the three instrumentalists, emphasizing the harmonious cooperation. Of course Balkan and Middle Eastern music idioms are not that far away, especially in view of the fact that the Balkans have centuries of history of Muslim presence, which influenced deeply the local Culture. Both these two musical idioms are open to improvisation, which of course explains their proximity to Jazz. All three musicians are Masters of their respective instruments, which is immediately apparent when the music starts to play. Vukmirovic carries most of the melody lines and improvising duties, Hbeisch is in charge of the rhythmic pulsations and Dupont holds everything together with his elegant and highly inventive bass lines, which supply the backbone of the music. Overall, this is a very interesting Jazz-World Music album, which never stops to be fascinating and emotionally enchanting for the entire duration. Although cross-Cultural, this music proves again that there are no real boundaries between human forms of expression, and the common bond can be established with ease, when desired. Highly recommended!

Updated: 06/03/2023Posted: 06/03/2023

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ANDRZEJ KURYLEWICZ ~ TRIO POLSKIE RADIO 0226-0227 (Barcode: 5901448112261) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2007 The legendary Polish Jazz pianist / composer Andrzej KurylewiczFind albums by this artist is one of the godfathers of the great Polish Jazz movement, starting from the 1950s. Sadly his role is often almost forgotten and certainly much less appreciated that that of his counterpart pianist / composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, who managed to achieve some international exposure and prominence. Kurylewicz is a formidable force and his skills as pianist / composer / arranger / conductor are truly admirable. He also composed music for cinema, theatre and TV as well and contemporary Classical music. Unfortunately his recorded legacy of Jazz performances is rather limited and therefore the outmost importance of this superb album, which documents his return to Jazz piano after several years of absence, with his brilliant trio with bassist Pawel PantaFind albums by this artist and drummer Cezary KonradFind albums by this artist. These absolutely stunning recordings present the trio playing a set of original compositions and standards, played with finesse and taste completely unmatched. Of course the age and experience of the veteran musician have a lot to do with this (he was almost 70 by the time of this recording) but the talent and above all his incredible feel for Jazz, melody and improvisation, which are simply beyond what most other musicians have to offer. In his own compositions Kurylewicz is deeply rooted in the Polish musical tradition, which incorporates folklore and Classical music. His interpretation is typically European; elegant, sophisticated, clever and moving and this music simply uplifts the listener to another plane. The album also includes several video clips taken during the recording sessions of this album, which are also a great pleasure to watch. In short this is a great example of Polish (and European) Jazz at its finest moments, which should be treasured by Jazz connoisseurs around the world. A must!

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CHARLES LLOYD ~ TRIOS: CHAPEL BLUE NOTE 602445266494 (Barcode: 602445266494) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2022 This is the first album in the series of “Trio of Trios” albums by the legendary American Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, recorded with guitarist Bill FrisellFind albums by this artist and bassist Thomas MorganFind albums by this artist. It is a live recording. The album presents five tracks, three composed by Lloyd and two standards. One of the true “last of the Mohicans” of American Jazz, Charles Lloyd (born in 1938), remains still at his full capacity and his recording legacy keeps growing, now at his advanced age, more rapidly than during earlier periods of his life. Highly productive phases of recording for the ECMFind albums on this label label and lately for Blue NoteFind albums on this label are just exploding with creativity, vitality and aesthetic beauty, in complete disregard of his age, created often with musicians less than half his age. This album offers a highly melodic, almost romantic music, with some Bluesy tendencies, which features Lloyd playing floatingly, playfully and as always masterly, supported amicably by the guitar, played by Frisell, who records with him continuously since 2015, and the delicate bass lines by Morgan. Lloyd is undisputedly the main soloist and the lengthy tracks allow him to perform wave after wave of improvisation, which stays respectfully within the melodic and harmonic framework. It is pretty amazing to hear Lloyd in such superb form, which defies any speculations about aging musicians. His tone is still crystal clear, and the notes appear in a perfect flow, without the slightest hesitance, with the Master being in total control at all time. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of Jazz music, serene and lyrical, which flows gently and gracefully, as if time is of no substance. Of course all three albums in this series, although completely different from each other, are equally worthwhile and recommended.

Updated: 31/07/2024Posted: 31/07/2024

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CHARLES LLOYD ~ TRIOS: OCEAN BLUE NOTE 602445266814 (Barcode: 602445266814) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022 This is the second album in the series of “Trio of Trios” albums by the legendary American Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, recorded with pianist Gerald ClaytonFind albums by this artist and guitarist Anthony WilsonFind albums by this artist. The album presents four tracks, all composed by Lloyd. One of the true “last of the Mohicans” of American Jazz, Charles Lloyd (born in 1938), remains still at his full capacity and his recording legacy keeps growing, now at his advanced age, more rapidly than during earlier periods of his life. Highly productive phases of recording for the ECMFind albums on this label label and lately for Blue NoteFind albums on this label are just exploding with creativity, vitality and aesthetic beauty, in complete disregard of his age, created often with musicians less than half his age, like Clayton on this album. This album offers a highly melodic, almost romantic music, with some Bluesy tendencies, which features Lloyd playing floatingly, playfully and as always masterly, supported amicably mostly by the piano, with the guitar being less dominant on this album. Lloyd is undisputedly the main soloist and the lengthy tracks allow him to perform wave after wave of improvisation, which stays respectfully within the melodic and harmonic framework. Clayton, as usual, keeps close to the well paved mainstream trickery, while Wilson adds some beautiful melodic layers, but they both respectfully leave the center stage to the Guru. It is pretty amazing to hear Lloyd in such superb form, which defies any speculations about aging musicians. His tone is still crystal clear, and the notes appear in a perfect flow, without the slightest hesitance, with the Master being in total control at all time. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of Jazz music, serene and lyrical, which flows gently and gracefully, as if time is of no substance. Of course all three albums in this series, although completely different from each other, are equally worthwhile and recommended.

Updated: 31/07/2024Posted: 19/02/2024

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CHARLES LLOYD ~ TRIOS: SACRED THREAD BLUE NOTE 602445266876 (Barcode: 602445266876) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2020 Released: 2022 This is the third album in the series of “Trio of Trios” albums by the legendary American Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, recorded with Indian percussionist Zakir HussainFind albums by this artist and guitarist Julian LageFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, four composed by Lloyd and three by Hussein. One of the true “last of the Mohicans” of American Jazz, Charles Lloyd (born in 1938), remains still at his full capacity and his recording legacy keeps growing, now at his advanced age, more rapidly than during earlier periods of his life. Highly productive phases of recording for the ECMFind albums on this label labels and lately for Blue NoteFind albums by this artist are just exploding with creativity, vitality and aesthetic beauty, in complete disregard of his age, created often with musicians less than half his age, like Lage on this album. This album offers a highly spiritual music, mostly a Jazz-World Fusion oriented pieces, strongly influenced by Indian scales and rhythms, with strong presence of the masterly performances by Hussein, who plays a very central role in this trio. Listeners familiar with Hussein’s contribution to Jazz music over the year will be hardly surprised, but the album is certainly very different from what is usually expected from Lloyd, who plays mostly flute and tárogató (Hungarian wind instrument) and Hussain sings extensive vocal parts. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of Jazz-World Fusion music, serene and contemplative, which requires patience and open-mindedness, but is certainly highly rewarding. Of course all three albums in this series are equally worthwhile and recommended.

Updated: 18/01/2024Posted: 18/01/2024

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SIMPLE ACOUSTIC TRIO ~ TRIO ECM 1891 (Barcode: 602498206324) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 This is the debut album on the legendary ECMFind albums on this label label by the great Polish Jazz trio, called Simple Acoustic TrioFind albums by this artist, led by pianist Marcin WasilewskiFind albums by this artist with bassist Slawomir KurkiewiczFind albums by this artist and drummer Michal MiskiewiczFind albums by this artist. If these names seem somewhat familiar to you, no wander, as they were also the members of the superb Polish quartet led by the legendary trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, which recorded three albums for ECM. However, the ECM recording is far from being the trio´s recording debut, as they have been active on the local scene in Poland a whole decade earlier and recorded several brilliant albums already. Always in top form, sensitive and technically perfect, these musicians are pillars of the new generation of Polish Jazz and their music is a true inspiration. The thirteen pieces presented on this album come from a variety of sources, from Pop to Classical music and about half of the material was composed or co-composed by the trio members. This is one of the best piano trios in the world and everything they touch turns to instant musical gold. This album is no different and every Jazz fan on this planet should enjoy it greatly. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

TRIO OF DOOM ~ TRIO OF DOOM COLUMBIA 96450 (Barcode: 827969645024) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1979 Released: 2007 A power Fusion trio consisting of musicians of such caliber as John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist (guitar), Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist (bass) and Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist (drums) usually only happens in the wildest and wettest of dreams by serious Fusion-heads, but if fact this one did happen in reality and even recorded both live and in the studio. Trio Of DoomFind albums by this artist was a one-time collaboration assembled for the occasion of the historic Havana Jam Festival in Cuba, where for the first time US performers were allowed to play before the Cuban audience. The festival took place for 3 days in early March of 1979 and presented a wide variety of US artists (pop, rock & jazz) and was recorded by ColumbiaFind albums on this label. Selections were later released on 2 albums, including 3 of the tracks on this album. Although McLaughlin never played before with Pastorius, both of them did play with Williams: McLaughlin as a member of his group LifetimeFind albums by this artist and Pastorius in Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, when Williams played on Mr. GoneFind albums with this title. The trio’s rehearsals were very successful, but the actual concert at Havana’s Carl Marx (what else?) hall turned out to be unsatisfactory due to a hectic and out-of-focus performance by Pastorius. The legend has it that Williams almost kicked the hell out of Pastorius after the gig (being a men of enormous physical strength this was no laughing matter), but seeing how spaced-out Pastorius was punched a hole in a wall instead. When Columbia informed McLaughlin that they want to use the Havana material for their albums, McLaughlin opposed and eventually a recording session was set up a week later to repeat the live performance in the studio. The resulting studio material was then used to overdub parts of the live recording, which appeared on the Havana Jam albums. This album brings us (28 years later) the entire live and studio material recorded by the Trio Of Doom in its original form, most of it previously unreleased in any form. The music is of course electrifying and almost super-human. All three musicians at the peek of their performing powers, with years of experience and enormous talents just can’t go wrong. Williams is in fact the moving power behind the trio, with his phenomenal technique and sublime interplay with his partners. This music kicks serous ass and whatever minor imperfections overshadowed the outcome at the time, those are long time gone and thankfully forgiven / forgotten. We can all enjoy this glorious Fusion gem, which is finally out of the vaults. Viva Fusion!

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