Changing Tides
Iridium, 2021
8/10
The San Francisco artist Chris Trinidad made the most of his pandemic time by reimagining his 2014 album, Certain Times, where, thanks to technology, he transforms the songs into big band compositions via his many colleagues spanning several countries.
“Inevitable Evolution” opens the disc with bright brass, crisp drumming and plenty of rhythm and grooves as Evan Francis’ flute makes quite an impression, and “Something New In The Familiar” follows with cultured drumming amid soulful horns as a timeless jazz climate unfolds.
In the middle, “Finding Somewhere Forever” offers a very warm and dreamy display of subdued and gorgeous song craft, while “A Reading In Retrospect” benefits from Christian Tumalan’s precise piano alongside the stylish and playful landscape.
“Transcending December” lands near the end and brings flutes back to the percussively strong setting thanks to José Sanchez, and “Though Certainly Speaking” exits the listen frisky and upbeat with Trinidad’s skilled bass guitar making the infectious finish that much more enticing.
Certainly a listen geared towards those with an ear for big band, jazz orchestra and contemporary jazz, fans of legends like Gil Evans, Stan Kenton and Kenny Wheeler should also keep an ear towards Trinidad.
Travels well with: Wesli- Rapadou Kreyol; Chris Trinidad- Chant Triptych II