On/Off
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
An outfit consisting of Ben Brown, Dominic Conway and Geordie Hart, as Malleus Trio they bring their crossover jazz ideas to 14 experimental songs that might remind you of Sons Of Kemet, The Bad Plus or Keith Jarrett.
The title track leads with Conway’s mesmerizing sax and Brown’s thumping drums making for a firm and inviting climate, and “Osmosis” follows with a brighter tone that uses the dreamy brass alongside frisky drumming and animated bass from Hart.
In the middle, “Big City” isn’t short on atypical grooves thanks to the dynamic interaction between the trio, while “Vertigo” exercises both restraint and adventurousness amid the rhythmic landscape.
Arriving near the end, the intimacy of “Swamp Lamps” is as cozy as it is heart felt, and “Cloud Suites” exits the listen with a timeless jazz spirit that’s authentic and meticulous.
A 3rd album that continues their unclassifiable ways, there isn’t a moment here that’s not unpredictable, exciting and memorable.
Travels well with: Saxophilia Saxophone Quartet- Metamorphosis; Christopher Whitley- Describe Yourself