Piano icon Steve Kuhn forms a trio for the ages with bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Joey Baron. The intuitive and sophisticated reading of these six songs can only be achieved through the copious talents of gents that have over a century of experience between them.
The first five songs are lyrical, warm and pastoral excursions. “Thinking Out Loud” has Baron’s sleek brushes coax warmth from Kuhn’s ivories, while his droplets of cymbals gently guide “Never Let Me Go.” Swallow’s bass is masterfully melodious and supple, creating an undercurrent on the bel canto “Into The New World” and adding dashes of pastel colors to the warm and spacious “Away.” The concluding “Trance/Oceans In The Sky” is a 16 minute journey, ranging from a rich opening rubato segueing into rippling waves before Swallow’s aria turns into a glorious celebration as Baron’s conversant solos create a climactic wave only to recede like foamy waters at the song’s conclusion. Wonderful and deep moments.