The modern jazz trio is alive and well, although in various modes.
Pianist Scott Routenberg joins together with Nick Tucker/b and Cassius Goens III/dr for a decalogue of his compositions. The team shows some R&B soul on the gospel flavored “Supermoon” and is rich in lyricism on elegant pieces such as “Our World” and the gracefully dancing “ Everything Is Alive.” Goens II supplies restless drums pushing forward on the modal “Locomotivity” and gallops on “Secret Neighbor.” Routenberg’s “Bebop Baby” veers from Bach to Bud Powell in a nanosecond while delivering a rich nocturne on “Quiet Time.” Calm waters with some nice ripples.
Bruno Raberg’s bass leads the way for Bruce Barth/p and Adam Cruz/dr for ten compositions. Barth’s touch on the ivories is serene, as Raberg’s strings deliver a sweet line for “Song for Dolphy” and pulsates droplets on “Rainy Day Farewell.” Cruz is brisk and attentive on the kinetic “Paris Window” with his brushes sifting for a take of “Here’s That Rainy Day.” The trio gets dramatic and adventurous on a pair of “Le Candide” with sparks flying, but for the most part you get serene pastures.
The guitar trio Mestizo consists of Evan Salvacion Levine/b, Matt Gold/g and Andrew Green/dr for some rockfish and bluesy moods. Gold’s tone has a bit of a rusty edge and a hint of country twang, riding the rails created by Green on “Age II’ and creating a hip canter for Gold’s spacious hues on “Highways” and getting busy on the undercurrent of the funky “Center of Gravity.” Levine chimes on the percussive “Little Shells” and the team gets delicate for “Opposing Forces” and reflective for “The Best Things Never Change.” Patient portraits.
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