Locksmith Isidore if bass clarinetist Jason Stein's trio with Jason Roebke on bass and Mike Pride on drums, playing a classy thoughtful blend of free jazz and more mainstream improvisation, music that would fit in well at a jazz club or art-house performance space. Stein has a strong woody tone that permeates the recording, while Roebke and Pride create a shifting and continually moving foundation that simultaneously supports and challenges the leader. They play with a light touch that keeps the music agile throughout. The faster tracks move in a quicksilver fashion with the musicians performing as a unified organism, while the slower and spacier improvisations allow more opportunity for individual expression. “Arch and Shipp" seemingly dedicated to Archie Shepp and Matthew Shipp is a highlight, acknowledging Shepp's earthy growl and Shipp's icy spaciousness and combining them into a lengthy and fascinating exploration of modern jazz, past and present. Wrapping up with the live track “Miss Izzy" the group goes full out with a tasty collective improvisation that draws on inner strength, and projects it outward in a strong and aggressive manner. Stein plays a demanding instrument in a unique and individual way. Eric Dolphy and David Murray have made definitive statements on this instrument and Stein seems well on his way to making truly memorable music as well. Three Kinds of Happiness—amazon.com
Send comments to Tim.
Send comments to Tim.
