Tell Me
M’bubba, 2022
8/10
The inestimable drummer and composer Chris Parker aligns himself with the pianist Kyoko Oyobe and Ameen Saleem on bass for his 3rd trio effort and 8th as band leader.
“Coolypso” starts the listen with precise drumming, as playful bass and graceful keys enter the charming climate, and “Desaparecido” follows with soft melodies and a reflective tone emitting much grace and warmth.
Halfway through, “Minky, Don’t You Weep” flows with a more rock focused approach that’s got a bit more firmness to the formula, while “Nippon Days, Nippon Nights” showcases the strategically plucked bass amid the agile keys on the album’s best selection.
The title track lands near the end, and is full of Parker’s inimitable drumming alongside the clever bass and bouncy keys, and “Title Waived” exits with David Finck’s bass solo and Chris Biesterfedlt proficient guitar adding much allure to the finisher.
Parker has enjoyed an impressive career that has spanned 50 years and includes playing alongside some of the biggest names. Along with Oyobe and Saleem he adds yet another excellent body of work in the area of atypical and eclectic jazz that warrants repeated listens.
Travels well with: Jared Schonig- Two Takes Vol. 2: Big Band; Jared Schonig- Two Takes Vol. 1