Here are some clever threesomes to consider.
Clarinetist Mike McGinnis takes a page from Benny Goodman in leading a trio (albeit different in formation than the original) with bassist Elias Bailey and drummer Vinnie Sperrazza mixing swing, standards and beyond on this accessible and enjoyable outing. McGinnis has a warm and woody tone, sticking to a lower register most of the time as on the loose bopper “Get In The Car” and the warm “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever”. Some fun drums and clapping get into a groove on a read of “Tin Tin Deo” with spaciousness in a blue haze on “Welcome Home” and dreamy on “Agnegation”. Clear and starry nights of sound.
Ryan Keberle plays trombone, Frank Woeste is on the piano and Vincent Courtois bows and picks at the bass on nine originals that mix chamber moods with rich harmonies. A melding of voice and bowed strings makes for wondrous moods on “L’arlequine Lunaire” with full handed piano forming dark drama as Keberle’s big fat sound looms forward on “Major Jack”. Ballet moods and movements take place with piano and bass lurking on “Montparnasse” and the folksy “Absinthe” with romantic moods formed by Keberle’s warm tone on joining with bowed strings on “Clara”. Each of the three take turns on the front line, making for a rich combination of Debussyesque moods. Rewarding impressions.
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