The jazz trio, in various colors and formations…
Drummer Philippe Lemm leads his creative trio of Angelo Di Loreto/p and Jeff Koch (along with guests Simon Moullier/vib and Keita Ogawa/perc) through a collection of originals. Lemm’s sound drinks from the well of The Bad Plus, with up front drums on “The Kiln” while also digging deep into the groove on “Cafeinated Souls”. The team shows a wide range of colors, with Di Loreto giving some solo classical intro to the intimate and dramtic “Malambo” and teaming up with Koch for a hip and dynamic “Elysian Voices”. Moullier gets some solo space as he works with Koch on “Kalief” and the team cascades with Lemm snapping at the sticks on the swinging “Trenke Todorke”. Fresh and sunnyside up.
Pianist Ray Gallon mixes inspirations from proto-boppers Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk with his own personal style on this classic sounding trio session with bassist David Wong and Kenny Washington. For this mix of originals and standards, Gallon creates some playful Monk moods such as the rich striding “Out of Whack” and features Washington on “Harm’s Way” while cracking a musical smile on “Make Your Move”. His Powell drive is evident on the nifty tribute of “Hanks A Lot” and the big fisted “That’s the Question”. He’s got a nice idea for interpretations, taking a Latin read of “Yesterdays” and classy on “I Don’t Stand a Ghost Of A Chance”, while he’s coy on his own “Back To The Wall.” Bebop spoken here.
Guitarist Perry Smith creates cool and subtle tones with bassist Sam Minae and drummer Dan Schnelle on a clever mix of jazz standards. His strings are gently on the delicate aria of “This Nearly Was Mine” and deft on his solo intro to the clean and clear “Darn That Dream.” The team digs into Sam Rivers’ post bopper “Cyclic Episode” with Schnelle’s brushes softly giving space for Minaie on “Like Someone In Love”. Smith closes out the album with three solo arias, all deft and intimate, with “A Child Is Born” gloriously understated and “Alone Together” deft in it’s subtlety. Cool strings.