Antwerp
Origin, 2023
8/10
The always impressive drummer John Bishop brings his inimitable sound to these 9 creative jazz tracks that welcome Piet Verbist and Bram Weijters.
The distinct tone of “Rücksichtslos” begins the listen with Bishop’s innovative drumming alongside Weijters’ flowing piano in the melodic climate, and “Trip The Light Fantastic” follows with more firm keys suiting the meticulous drum progressions.
Further along, the louder “Bull” allows Verbist’s bass acrobatics to shine in the forceful delivery, while “Lawns” sparkles with an intimate dreaminess that’s poetic in its sublime beauty.
Approaching the end, “Two For The Road” benefits much from the emotive piano that complements the light drumming, and “Contemplative” exits with each players respective strengths emitting precise and dynamic instrumentation.
This is Bishop’s first album under his own name in 15 years, and the unparalleled attention to percussive ideas and playful chemistry that exists in the trio is hard not to admire.
Travels well with: Frank Kohl- Pacific; Affinity Trio- Hindsight