In Flower, In Song
577, 2022
8/10
The debut album from Trio Xolo, the cast of Zachary Swanson (double bass), Derrick Michaels (tenor saxophone) and Dalius Naujo (drums) align for this daring set of improvised gems.
“Texcoco” opens the listen with warm, unpredictable sax, as the frisky drums are used quite skillfully in the wandering but charming climate, and “In Ruins” follows with the bowed and plucked bass making for plenty of atmosphere amid the adventurous drumming bouts.
Halfway through, the very quick pace of “Ritualistic” is controlled chaos at its finest, while “A Mobius Strip” lands in free jazz territory with its strong attention to mood and mesmerizing sax prowess.
Close to the end, the acrobatic drumming of the technical “Vantablack” suits the squealing brass, and “Obsidian Eucalyptus” exists with both intimacy and exploration present in spades as all 3 members allow their respective strengths to shine.
These 9 tunes were recorded live in one room and it comes with a cozy, spontaneous flavor that showcases so much control and talent, that it nearly rewrites the trio format with its attentiveness to melody, atmosphere and texture.
Travels well with: Leo Genovese- Seeds; Test And Roy Campbell- Test And Roy Campbell