ARILD ANDERSEN - The Triangle
ECM 674 3046
Arild Andersen (double bass); Vassilis Tsabropoulos (piano); John Marshall (drums)
Recorded January 2003
Never implicitly stated, the album title could be said to reference the three geographical locations of the musicians involved, Oslo, Athens and London, as opposed to the number of members in a trio but however you wish to interpret this what is abundantly clear is the quality of the music. This is a lovely album, and very different from many of the trio albums of the time, yet can also shore up a strong case for stating that much of what was to follow has been influenced in some way by this particular Trio.
From the outset there is immediately something that that feels different and tantalisingly new about the music. Much of this it appears comes down to the pianist, Vassilis Tsabropoulas, a classically trained musician who had played little jazz before his association with Andersen, but who brings a unique touch and sensibility to bear that leads the music down a fresh avenue.
Full credit must be given to Arild Andersen for the shaping the overall concept of the trio, but most of all for handing much of the composing duties for the group to the pianist. In doing so the compositions practically any resemblance to a standard jazz piece, instead the music has a seamless flow as a through composed piece of music may, yet in this instance there is scope for improvisation. Vassilis classical training does not hinder his flow of ideas, but does mean that there is little jazz timing or phrasing in his playing, and this is provided (or not, when appropriate) by the experience and subtlety of bass and drums.
The pianist shows not just his background in classical music but how he can incorporate this into the Trio with an exceptional arrangement of Maurice Ravel's 'Pavane', and hos own beautiful ballad, 'Cinderella Song'. Elsewhere, there is an abundance of string melodies, fine solos, and the sense that these players are really listening and creating something special that it of the moment. Andersen's 'Lines' is a finger buster that serves as brief interlude and release as the tempo accelerates, before we hear 'European Triangle' (that geographical reference again?) that is collectively improvised but very much in keeping with what has preceded it.
Very different from its predecessor, Achirana, The Triangle is the second album from this impressive trio, and was sadly to be it's last and we can only wonder how the music might have developed. A year or so later, the bassist would form another trio this time without piano and geographical locations taking in Norway, Italy and Scotland that was to feature the late Paolo Vinaccia on drums and saxophonist, Tommy Smith and in doing so moved his music in another and equally compelling new direction.
ECM 674 3046
Arild Andersen (double bass); Vassilis Tsabropoulos (piano); John Marshall (drums)
Recorded January 2003
Never implicitly stated, the album title could be said to reference the three geographical locations of the musicians involved, Oslo, Athens and London, as opposed to the number of members in a trio but however you wish to interpret this what is abundantly clear is the quality of the music. This is a lovely album, and very different from many of the trio albums of the time, yet can also shore up a strong case for stating that much of what was to follow has been influenced in some way by this particular Trio.
From the outset there is immediately something that that feels different and tantalisingly new about the music. Much of this it appears comes down to the pianist, Vassilis Tsabropoulas, a classically trained musician who had played little jazz before his association with Andersen, but who brings a unique touch and sensibility to bear that leads the music down a fresh avenue.
Full credit must be given to Arild Andersen for the shaping the overall concept of the trio, but most of all for handing much of the composing duties for the group to the pianist. In doing so the compositions practically any resemblance to a standard jazz piece, instead the music has a seamless flow as a through composed piece of music may, yet in this instance there is scope for improvisation. Vassilis classical training does not hinder his flow of ideas, but does mean that there is little jazz timing or phrasing in his playing, and this is provided (or not, when appropriate) by the experience and subtlety of bass and drums.
The pianist shows not just his background in classical music but how he can incorporate this into the Trio with an exceptional arrangement of Maurice Ravel's 'Pavane', and hos own beautiful ballad, 'Cinderella Song'. Elsewhere, there is an abundance of string melodies, fine solos, and the sense that these players are really listening and creating something special that it of the moment. Andersen's 'Lines' is a finger buster that serves as brief interlude and release as the tempo accelerates, before we hear 'European Triangle' (that geographical reference again?) that is collectively improvised but very much in keeping with what has preceded it.
Very different from its predecessor, Achirana, The Triangle is the second album from this impressive trio, and was sadly to be it's last and we can only wonder how the music might have developed. A year or so later, the bassist would form another trio this time without piano and geographical locations taking in Norway, Italy and Scotland that was to feature the late Paolo Vinaccia on drums and saxophonist, Tommy Smith and in doing so moved his music in another and equally compelling new direction.
