A cord of three strands is not easily broken, especially in jazz…
Pencil toned guitarist Mike Clement forms a humming Hammond trio with John Lee and drummer Herman Riley for a collection of cruising originals. There are few things as fun as a shuffling blues with a B3 and guitar, and the team sizzles on “So Bro”, and boogaloos on Broadway for “Temperance”. There are some tricky boppers like Pick P eck” and “I Got Somethin’” but these guys hug the corners like race car experts. Varroom!
Pianist Spike Wilner brings together Bassist Paul Gill and drummer Pinciotti for a rich mix of covers and originals. The leader shows his rich ideas on his intro to “Poor Butterfly” and is Bach-ish on the clever “Contrafactus”. His 
relentless staccato feel digs in with the team on “At First Bluesh” with Gill creating some dark moods on his strumming before delving into “Dissonance”. Excellent interplay throughout as on the rapid run of “Koan” and the strutting “Lullaby Of The Leaves”. Musical momentum.
Pianist Michael Wolff, drummer Mike Clark and bassist Leon Lee Dorsey give a tribute to Bill Evans’ many trios on this album that includes tunes associated with the legendary pianist. The three are not beholden to the original versions, as Wolff gooses up “Glorias’ Step and is quite elliptical on “Turn Out The Stars. Clark’s brushes are suave on “Interplay” and whimsical for “Peri’s Scope” with “My Romance” upbeat and cheerful. Everybody digs Bill Evans tributes.
Pianist Dave Bass teams up with Tyler Miles/b and Steve Helfand/dr for a soulful collection of mostly originals. Bass slinks on the fun”. These Times” and shows a wide stride on “Gone”. Helfad’s brushes bounce on the nifty “Bab Melon” and Miles gigs in on “December”, getting some space on “Sandino” and introducing the dramatic “August”. A read of Denny Zeitlin’s “Offshore Breeze” is warmly lyrical and “One Look” has a late night club mood, with long shadows. Cohesive threesome