OK, you got me: What is a “bass ukulele”? Raphael Preuschl plays it under the leadership of pianist David Halbock’s trio along with Herber Pirker on this collection of tunes that combines originals with pieces by Arnold Schonberg under the leader’s arrangement. You get an interesting mix here, not in the traditional feel of a piano trio, nor even in the feel of modern leaders such as Brad Mehldau or The Bad Plus.
They definitely have their own sound. Helbock likes to toy with the piano strings as on “Yellow Meets Red” while Pirker leans toward a funky groove, both here and on “Virus Ukulelen Song.”Preuschl does some nice riffing on “Opfili, Bist So Kugelrund” and all get playful on “Sechs Klein Klavierstucke Op 19. Nr. IV.” Helbock’s touch is quite versatile , going angular and Monkishly askance on “AM.” And prancing daintily like Eric Satie on “Healing Colors.” The most impressive is when they all go a bit dreamy on “Intro to Myths” which eventually builds to a nice rich wave of wonder. A nice mix of mirth and mayhem.
Traumton Records