ZOOOM TRIO - What's for dessert
Leo Records CD LR 724
Christian Lorenzen, Wurlitzer electric piano, analogue synthesizer; David Helm, acoustic double bass; Dominik Mahnig, drums, effects
First sight of the cover of this disc suggested to me that I might not want to hear what was inside – was it to be rumba from Cuba or Zumba from Columbia? The former I would have enjoyed. Let it be said then that the cover seems irrelevant to the title and indeed to the music itself, which in fact is thoroughly agreeable.
This album is constructed from a mix of composition and free improvisation, and the manner in which the band addresses the generation of its sounds removes it at once from the ordinary perception of what a piano trio might be. Jazz tradition remains however and when straight melody seems most appropriate, the trio accepts that without fear – that’s the freedom of free music.
This is a contemporary sound yet reflecting movements and modes straight from jazz and jazz-rock of the 70s – Chick Corea, Miles Davis (especially Bitches Brew) Herbie Hancock for example. I think that it is more than just the Wurlitzer that brings out this harmonic/rhythmic tension: it is perhaps also down to the increased freedom in the rhythm section and of course the virtuosity brought to the band by all three artists. These factors come together in generating a truly inspirational, electric sound which is able to engross its audience. One word of advice: turn the volume up or you will miss some very subtle undercurrents.
Reviewed by Ken Cheetham
Leo Records CD LR 724
Christian Lorenzen, Wurlitzer electric piano, analogue synthesizer; David Helm, acoustic double bass; Dominik Mahnig, drums, effects
First sight of the cover of this disc suggested to me that I might not want to hear what was inside – was it to be rumba from Cuba or Zumba from Columbia? The former I would have enjoyed. Let it be said then that the cover seems irrelevant to the title and indeed to the music itself, which in fact is thoroughly agreeable.
This album is constructed from a mix of composition and free improvisation, and the manner in which the band addresses the generation of its sounds removes it at once from the ordinary perception of what a piano trio might be. Jazz tradition remains however and when straight melody seems most appropriate, the trio accepts that without fear – that’s the freedom of free music.
This is a contemporary sound yet reflecting movements and modes straight from jazz and jazz-rock of the 70s – Chick Corea, Miles Davis (especially Bitches Brew) Herbie Hancock for example. I think that it is more than just the Wurlitzer that brings out this harmonic/rhythmic tension: it is perhaps also down to the increased freedom in the rhythm section and of course the virtuosity brought to the band by all three artists. These factors come together in generating a truly inspirational, electric sound which is able to engross its audience. One word of advice: turn the volume up or you will miss some very subtle undercurrents.
Reviewed by Ken Cheetham
