Montréal Jazz Trio
Odd Sounds, 2021
9/10
A trio consisting of Steve Amirault (piano), Adrian Vedady (acoustic bass) and Jim Doxas (drums), this self-titled effort brings both originals and standards to the exciting jazz climate that includes plenty of harmony, creativity and timelessness.
“All Those Lovely Things”, an Amirault original, starts the listen with fluid keys, light drumming and bouncy bass lines as the stylish opener makes an immediate impression, and “My One And Only Love” follows with an infectious energy of dance floor ready dynamics that you can’t help but admire.
Further down the line, the bright and playful piano of “Take The “A” Train” puts a very warm and rhythmic spin on the Ellington and Strayhorn tune, while “Taking A Chance On Love” gets quite romantic with cautious synergy between the trio. “Nowhere”, the album’s best, then moves swiftly, where precise bass plucking and finger acrobatics lend themselves to a fascinating climate.
“Soho Dreams” arrives near the end, and finds a dreamy place to reside that swings with a radiant charm, and “Answer Me, My Love” finishes sublimely, where the trio interact flawlessly amid much beauty.
With nearly half the songs featuring the word love in the title, you might spot a theme running through the album, and there’s certainly much heartfelt intimacy present, just as there is lively bouts of swingin’ fun, as the 3 pen a fantastic modern jazz record.
Travels well with: Shannon Gunn- On A Mountain; Levi Dover Sextet- Imaginary Structures