As the Bible says, “A chord of three strands is not easily broken”. Here are a trio of trios…
The trio of drummer Todd Zimberg, pianist Michael Gotz and bassist Perry THoorsell deliver classy and timeless mainstream jazz on this collection of boppers and standards. Gotz has a Red Garlandish vintage feel, glistening on “Stella By Starlight” and going bel canto for the swinging “There Is No Greater Love”. Leader Zimberg digs in deep with Thoorsell on an assertively grooved “On Green Dolphin Street” and rumbles in the jungle for the exotic “Nica’s Dream” with Thoorsell getting some space around the leader’s brushes for “Alone Together”. A blue plate special of Blue Note sounds.
The trio of pianist Michael Arbenz, drummer Florian Arbenz and bassist Thomas Lahns play a version of “Name That Tune” on this creative album that is dominated by originals based on classical inspirations. For instance, Arbenz taps into the chords of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony over the nifty pulse on “This is Beat-O-VEIN” while Arbenz taps out a Spring-like tricky and angular pulse for the Strawinsky’d “Restless” . There’s a rich swing with thoughtful progression guided by Arbenz’s cymbals for the roots of Scriabin on”Luce” while mallets rumble with dark shadows during the Bartokian “Dal”. Lahns is graceful for the gentle “The Lovely Image” and bows richly on the prismatic “Betting Angel”. Modal moods come out when Arbenz taps into his inner McCoy Tyner for a hard hitting “On The Underground”. Musical pictures at an exhibition.
American rural folk and blues are produced by the British team of Martin Harley/g-voc, Daniel Kimbro/b and Sam Lewis/voc-g on this collection of Cumberland Gapped originals. There’s a relaxed swing to the subdued delivery of pieces like “Creepin’ Charlie” and the cozy “Good Guy” with some clever bass work by Kimbro on “Tokyo”. The casual Depression Era mood is reminiscent of vintage Leon Redbone, with Lewis in more of a buddy role than avuncular on “What To Do”, while Harley takes you to the local Moose Lodge on “Cowboys In Hawaii” and the Tiki Room on the tropical “Who’s Hungry”. Living on the Ocoee River.