Perry Robinson Trio
From A to Z
Jazzwwerkstatt Records
www.records-cd.com
By George W. Harris

Hard to figure this one out. Clarinetist Perry Robinson’s got a wisp of a tone, almost a breathy subtone , and mostly keeps it in the lower chalumeau register a la Jimmy Giuffre. He’s definitely got some technique, ans he shows in tricky tunes like “Loose Nuts,” and even has a nice Middle Eastern feel on “Funky Giora.” Along with Ed Schuller/b and Ernst Bier/dr, he swirls, curls and twirls like a snake through 9 originals, all being more of mood creating than memorable melodies. His sound just doesn’t connect with me, however, as his sound just comes off as too tentative, like an insecure guy asking a dream girl for a date.