It is groups like Myriad 3 that make you realize how long a shadow The Bad Plus has cast. The team of Chris Donnelly/p-synth, Dan Fortin/b-synth and Ernesto Cervini/dr produce an approach to music very similar to TBP. Lots of repetitive themes that repeatedly delve into the inner core of the melody, slowly building up to a rock opera climax is evident on pieces like “Sketch 8” and “Counter of the Cumulus.” Chordal themes strip down and build back up on Unnamed Cells” while Satie-esque has the piano and brushes dusting off “Aneliasburg.” The trio has lots of fun with dynamics throughout, and the themes on pieces like the ponderous “Stoner” and caromed “Brother Dom.” Like hard bop in the 50s, methodical simplicity seems to be the status of the piano trio this decade.
Alma Records