Bruce Forman's musical instincts burst forth clean, crisp and clear on Formanism, his first trio adventure in a dozen years. He throws open the doors, ventures out into the fresh air, and writes a new chapter of possibilities for guitar trio.
Riding rippling tides of tasty, understated percussion and nimble, musical string-bass lines, Forman's playing captures the imagination without straining or showing off. The warm sound and clarity he gets from his classic jazz guitar call to mind the energy and diction of the best stage actors — you hear great sounds and technique, but what you pay attention to is the story they're telling. Formanism has great musical storytelling, where each performance conveys an unmistakable sense of purpose and direction.
Forman infuses new interpretive energy into some standards from the Great American Songbook, showing us things we didn't know were hidden in those tunes. And his original compositions sustain the conversation with wit and warmth.
For this album, Forman found a style of expression just different enough to be distinct from his other work, yet consistent with his high artistic standards. The virtuosity and energy are never forced or strained, but always serve to reveal and develop the trio's musical ideas. Listening to this album is like being invited to hang out with somebody you always wanted to hang out with, but somehow never had the chance — until now.
Forman chose a trio for these compositions, because this music needed the openness and freedom of a small ensemble. “Trios are one of the most challenging formats, because there's no place to hide," says Bruce, “and virtuosity is required of all the players. Trios are also one of the freest formats—for someone who can put the freedom to good use."
BRUCE FORMAN - GUITAR; GABE NOEL - BASS; JAKE REED - DRUMS.
Riding rippling tides of tasty, understated percussion and nimble, musical string-bass lines, Forman's playing captures the imagination without straining or showing off. The warm sound and clarity he gets from his classic jazz guitar call to mind the energy and diction of the best stage actors — you hear great sounds and technique, but what you pay attention to is the story they're telling. Formanism has great musical storytelling, where each performance conveys an unmistakable sense of purpose and direction.
Forman infuses new interpretive energy into some standards from the Great American Songbook, showing us things we didn't know were hidden in those tunes. And his original compositions sustain the conversation with wit and warmth.
For this album, Forman found a style of expression just different enough to be distinct from his other work, yet consistent with his high artistic standards. The virtuosity and energy are never forced or strained, but always serve to reveal and develop the trio's musical ideas. Listening to this album is like being invited to hang out with somebody you always wanted to hang out with, but somehow never had the chance — until now.
Forman chose a trio for these compositions, because this music needed the openness and freedom of a small ensemble. “Trios are one of the most challenging formats, because there's no place to hide," says Bruce, “and virtuosity is required of all the players. Trios are also one of the freest formats—for someone who can put the freedom to good use."
BRUCE FORMAN - GUITAR; GABE NOEL - BASS; JAKE REED - DRUMS.
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