Rhombus
Smoke Session, 2026
9/10
Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart bring their inimitable talents to these 8 distinct jazz songs that are both originals and covers.
“Everything That Lives Laments” opens with a meticulous dreaminess, where Goldings’ radiant organ makes an impression, and “Hi-Fly” follows with Bernstein’s warm guitar guiding the mesmerizing mood.
In the middle, “Mamma” blends the cozy guitar with Stewart’s light drumming via the calm delivery, while “They Say It’s Wonderful” sees the trio working together dynamically and with both caution and adventurousness for the album’s best.
“Penelope” and “In Walked Bud” exit the listen. The former, by Wayne Shorter, illustrates Bernstein’s attentiveness to his guitar with much beauty, and the latter by Thelonious Monk, is an energetic and frisky finish of timeless jazz trio prowess.
Goldings, Bernstein and Stewart have a history that goes back 35 years, and that chemistry is as vibrant as ever across their version of harmonic, bluesy and bebop tinted song craft.
Travels well with: John Beasley- Invisible Piano; Aaron Irwin Trio- Spark