Chris Donnelly/p, Dan Fortin/b and Ernesto Cervini/dr form a trio that shows the long shadows of influence that The Bad Plus has cast since they first came on the scene over 10 years ago. Semi-ironic themes, repetitive grooves and spacious, almost childlike themes that almost sound tongue in cheek are in abundance here, as with TBP. Thundering fists are pounding on “First Flight” while plaintive and piddling piano is daintily felt on “The Strong One.” Incessant riffs that never cease are on”Undertow” and “For All The World” while staccato beats like a clock factory tick away on “Brown.” True jazz grooves are still available on”Bebop Melody” and “Der Trockner” making you wonder where their true allegiances lay.
Alma Records