JAKOB BRO - Streams
ECM 478 1865
Jakob Bro (guitar); Thomas Morgan (double bass); Joey Baron (drums)
Recorded November 2015
Following on from his ECM leader debut, Gefion, guitarist Jakob Bro continues his explorations of the trio format however the significant change with Streams is the change in the drum chair. The departing Jon Christensen giving way to American veteran, Joey Baron who brings a whole new sensibility and focus to the music, and whilst this marks a step further on for Bro perhaps still leaves many questions unanswered.
Streams moves on from the debut album and reveals some some strong compositions from the leader, but it is the relationship with other members of the trio that is fascinating and brings the music to life. Drummer, Baron is all over this music having immediately found his place and carved a solid relationship with bassist, Thomas Morgan. Bro has described the bass player as his "musical soul mate" and it is interesting how Bro has developed this bond and also how he views the relationship between drums and bass... sometimes from a distance.
The music played in often calm and reflective, the space left by the trio speaking volumes. The gentle lyricism of Bro's music is brought to the fore in the opening track, 'Opal' and 'Heroines' that is also reprised as a solo guitar outing where just the melody is played, and the absolutely stunning 'Shell Pink' where the empathy between bass and guitar is quietly intimate, like a deep and thoughtful conversation.
This developing relationship between the three is keenly felt on all pieces, but is perhaps most intense on the more uptempo and raucous closer 'Sisimiut' and the freely improvised 'PM Dream' dedicated to Paul Motian. At times Bro is a fully active participant, diving into the music without hesitation, and other points one senses the guitarist perhaps hanging back listening, as if trying to assimilate and gauge the way the bass and drums are interacting with each other and trying to find how he can enter the fray without disturbing what is already in motion.
Altogether a fine set of compositions from Bro and a trio that promises much but is perhaps yet to deliver to its full potential.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
ECM 478 1865
Jakob Bro (guitar); Thomas Morgan (double bass); Joey Baron (drums)
Recorded November 2015
Following on from his ECM leader debut, Gefion, guitarist Jakob Bro continues his explorations of the trio format however the significant change with Streams is the change in the drum chair. The departing Jon Christensen giving way to American veteran, Joey Baron who brings a whole new sensibility and focus to the music, and whilst this marks a step further on for Bro perhaps still leaves many questions unanswered.
Streams moves on from the debut album and reveals some some strong compositions from the leader, but it is the relationship with other members of the trio that is fascinating and brings the music to life. Drummer, Baron is all over this music having immediately found his place and carved a solid relationship with bassist, Thomas Morgan. Bro has described the bass player as his "musical soul mate" and it is interesting how Bro has developed this bond and also how he views the relationship between drums and bass... sometimes from a distance.
The music played in often calm and reflective, the space left by the trio speaking volumes. The gentle lyricism of Bro's music is brought to the fore in the opening track, 'Opal' and 'Heroines' that is also reprised as a solo guitar outing where just the melody is played, and the absolutely stunning 'Shell Pink' where the empathy between bass and guitar is quietly intimate, like a deep and thoughtful conversation.
This developing relationship between the three is keenly felt on all pieces, but is perhaps most intense on the more uptempo and raucous closer 'Sisimiut' and the freely improvised 'PM Dream' dedicated to Paul Motian. At times Bro is a fully active participant, diving into the music without hesitation, and other points one senses the guitarist perhaps hanging back listening, as if trying to assimilate and gauge the way the bass and drums are interacting with each other and trying to find how he can enter the fray without disturbing what is already in motion.
Altogether a fine set of compositions from Bro and a trio that promises much but is perhaps yet to deliver to its full potential.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
