Magnetic Dreaming
Elastic, 2023
8/10
This 3rd release from the Toronto outfit Triio, which is spearheaded by Alex Fournier’s double bass and creative jazz vision, brings experimental ideas and strong attention to grooves that won’t go unnoticed across the 6 distinct tracks.
“Prelude Seven Hundred Steps Descending To The Gates Of Magnetic Sleep” opens the listen with plenty of brief ambience before “Basalt Pillars And The Field Outside The Ferrimagnetic Order” bursts into free jazz exploration thanks to Bea Labikova’s wild sax prowess and Michael Davidson’s bright vibes.
Halfway through, “The Dance That Wrought The Faciality Of The Lower Metaphysicians” focuses much on Stefan Hegerat’s playful percussive ideas amid Naomi McCarroll-Butler’s well timed sax in the more reserved climate, while “Fires Of The Icy Desert Plateau Of Terrella” drones with a charming mysteriousness that benefits from the dreamy vibes.
“Atop The Onyx Tower; Plumbing The Sentient Field” exits the listen with a chilling cinematic appeal that uses the drums, brass, bass and Tom Fleming’s subdued guitar for the rich and textured finish.
A highly unclassifiable listen that is both creative and inventive, Triio make for an atypical jazz experience that is short supply these days.
Travels well with: Triio- Six-ish Plateaus; Jacob Chung- Epistle