Freedom to Music
Posts tagged Crimson Jazz Trio
Crimson Jazz Trio – King Crimson Songbook Vol. 2 (2006) (@256)
26 Dec 2009
(Review from allaboutjazz.com)
The trio’s second album showcases yet more of their re-interpretations of classic King Crimson compositions.
Stripped of progressive rock production and Robert Fripp’s distinctive guitar sounds these tunes are remarkably fresh and pliable, standing on their own merits even for those unfamiliar with the originals. The Crimson Jazz Trio’s arrangements expand on the possibilities of the originals while adding new dimensions to their emotional impact. The one track that retains its lyrics, “Inner Garden”, features an exceptional vocal performance from Nardone, whose piano solo is also a highlight of the album.
Saxophonist Mel Collins, another member of early King Crimson line-ups, guests on “Frame by Frame” and “Formentera Lady.” On the former Collins takes on the vocal line from the original, while on the latter—part of the “Islands Suite”—he brings a much freer interpretation to the tune while Nardone and Landers take turns playing short phrases from the melody. Each trio member also contributes a short composition of his own: Landers’ “The Plank,” a solo on double-bass, is especially enjoyable, and all three tunes complement the album’s overall feel.
Wallace was a first-call rock session drummer for almost 40 years. His playing here shows that his jazz talents were equal to his rock aptitudes, particularly his bop-influenced work on “Pictures of a City” and the beautiful “One Time” and his lovely, understated, brush work on the closing “Lament”. Recorded in June 2006, only a few months before Wallace’s death in February 2007, his fans can take heart in this fitting memorial to his fine playing.
Line-up:
- Ian Wallace / drums
- Jody Nardone / vocals (5), piano
- Tim Landers / bass
with
- Mel Collins / saxophones (4, 9)
Track List:
01. The Court of the Crimson King – 6:16
02. Pictures of a City – 6:29
03. One Time – 9:16
04. Frame By Frame – 5:30
05. Inner Garden – 5:34
06. Heartbeat – 8:56
07. Press Gang – 2:32
08. Zero Dark Thirty – 2:18
09. Formentera Lady – 7:32
10. Sailor’s Tale – 3:45
11. The Plank – 2:14
12. Lament – 9:20
Link in comments.
Crimson Jazz Trio – King Crimson Songbook Vol. 1 (2005) (@256)
25 Dec 2009
(Review from amazon)
The Crimson Jazz Trio have respectfully and irreverently taken 8 Crimson classics, repositioned them in the musical spectrum and delivered their first songbook with superb musicianship in service to wit & invention. Ian Wallace provides personal hotline and Crimson-juice authority to the trio.
The equation is pretty simple: The Crimson Jazz Trio is to jazz somewhat less than King Crimson is to rock. But the real import here is a dramatic change of context, one that shifts the rhythmic and melodic components from an often clinical glare into a warm and generous new light. By allowing us to recognize these now familiar pieces in a completely new setting is a great way to demonstrate just how compelling, flexible and open-ended the music of King Crimson is. Even more interesting is the way in which the music of various generations of King Crimson, each with its own distinct stylistic signature and aesthetic preoccupations, adapt to the here “standardized” jazz form.
More than an exercise, the first volume songbook shows us that no matter what the form, interpretation is a critical aspect of making music. The interpretations here are uniformly worthwhile and exhibit the outcomes of what must have been some difficult decisions. Just consider untying the Gordian Knot that is “Starless”, absent of Alexander’s sword. Music such as this, with its strictly metered progressions built on razor-fine divisions and subtle, clockwork variations would seem impossible to adapt to the freer shadings of jazz. Yet, the Crimson Jazz trio accomplishes just that, to great effect.
Listening, however, proves to be equally demanding and rewarding, especially when compared to a spate of comparatively onanistic “mash-ups” of the original work.
Line-up:
- Ian Wallace / drums
- Tim Landers / bass
- Jody Nardone / piano
Track List:
01. 21st Century Schizoid Man – 6:53
02. Three Of A Perfect Pair – 6:11
03. Catfood – 6:19
04. Starless – 10:40
05. Ladies Of The Road – 6:44
06. I Talk To The Wind – 9:56
07. Red – 5:59
08. Matte Kudasai – 9:07
Link in comments.
