Tripwire
Whirlwind, 2022
8/10
Amazingly, the saxophonist and composer Will Vinson recorded these 7 tunes in one day, where a chord-less trio album is executed with a healthy amount of energy and spontaneity thanks to Matt Penman and Eric Harland.
The title track wisely starts the listen with Vinson’s animated brass and Harland’s playful drumming in the adventurous jazz climate, and “Blue And Sentimental” follows with an intimate spirit of flowing sax amid the well timed bass plucking from Penman.
The guest tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana is on hand for two tracks, where “Things” is especially rich, with the dueling saxophones making for a very mesmerizing appeal, and she also appears on the final track, “Resting Jazz Face”, where a very busy yet controlled presence emits stylish and frisky jazz tendencies.
Although there isn’t a bad track present, “For All We Know” is especially noteworthy, where a soulful, poetic demeanor is present thanks to Vinson’s eloquent sax that is met with gentle bass and bare percussion.
A listen that’s loose but meticulous, melodic but sometimes firm and experimental but never esoteric, Vinson and company pull off an amazing project in this one off recording session.
Travels well with: Simon Belelty- Pee Wee; Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club