Sub Rosa
Chill Tone, 2025
8/10
The pianist and composer Julian Shore is joined by Martin Nevin and Allan Mednard for these 10 modern jazz selections.
“Messenger” starts the listen with Shore’s elegant keys alongside Nevin’s fluid bass lines, and “Mission” follows with the rich keys and Mednard’s frisky drums meeting at a very unpredictable intersection of warmth.
At the halfway point, “Blues In Blueprint” indeed recruits the blues amid the scrappy drumming, bouncy bass and animated keys, while “All The Things You Are” showcases a frisky delivery of timeless jazz sensibilities.
Further still, the intimacy of “It Was A Dream” tugs on the heartstrings via the emotive mood, and “Pegasus (excerpt)” exits with each player’s inimitable talents making for a dynamic and swirling finish.
A diverse effort that can be introspective, energetic and even retreat to melancholy, Shore’s guiding of the jazz trio setting is nothing short of superb and memorable.
Travels well with: Phil Haynes- Transition(s); Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Dream A Dream