Sorgen-Rust-Stevens Trio
A Scent In Motion
Konnex Records
http://www.konnex-records.de/
By George W. Harris

Southern Excursion Quartet
Trading Post
ARC
http://www.artistsrecordingcollctive.info/
By George W. Harris

Pianist Michael Jefry Stevens’ last release as a leader (For Andrew) was an impressive trio exploration, mixing mainstream with splashes of adventurous sounds and harmonies. On this co-lead trio (with Harvey Sorgen/dr and Steve Rust/b), the music is far more tangential and improvised, leaning towards abstraction. Tunes like “Sentry” and “Something You Said” start off like they are taken from the middle of a solo improvisation, seemingly disregarding a theme altogether before jumping into the pool. While subtle and delicate, the majority of the other songs like “CPAC” are basic Jackson Pollock paintings set to music.

Pianist Michael Jefry Stevens shows up again on this quartet with Southeasterners Tom Giampietro/dr, Don Aliquo/sax and Jonathan Wires/b for some cohesive group interaction. Recorded in Memphis, TN back in 2007, the sound and feel (except for the 14 minute free form “Chant 1&2) is much more undulating and romantic. Aliquo uses his soprano to serene effect on Andrew Hill’s “Ashes” and delicately traipses around Stevens’ piano on Wires’“December.” The interaction between all three is quite empathetic, with Giampietro’s cymbal work creating just the right accents, particularly on the skipping “For Wheeler.” The dramatic “Longing” features some excellent tenor work, while the bluesy “Spiritual” has a bel canto alto yearning in the night. Impressive group effort this time around.