Motema

2006-10-01
All About Jazz By George W. Harris - Review

Lynne Arriale Trio
Live
Motéma Music
By George W. Harris

Where has this lady been? This is my first exposure to this trio, and I feel immediately out of the loop as far as new talent. This lovely lithe redhead has put together a trio that creates masterful readings of astonishing originals, as well as intriguing interpretations of jazz and rock standards. The abundance of masterful technique and creative soloing from someone relatively unknown is embarrassingly overwhelming. You can't help but feel like the manager of the Knights when Robert Redford tries out for the team in "The Natural": what have we been missing?!?

Her full bodied tone is matched with the able bodied support of Steve Davis (drums) and Jay Anderson (bass) on the gospel drenched "Iko Iko" as well as the joyful "Braziliana", which features some intriguing chord progressions. Her reading of The Beatles' "Come Together" turns into a logically constructed vehicle for creative soloing and interplay between the musicians. "Seven Steps To Heaven" has the band going through several clever tempo changes. Every song is brimming with more ideas than can be absorbed in one listening. This is as close to a musical Mensa seminar as you might get, and a lot more fun!

The tone, attack and ideas from this lady are all original and intriguing. Money back guarantee on this one!

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