To The Surface
Rhythm-n-Flow, 2023
9/10
The esteemed pianist Lawrence Fields is joined by Yasushi Nakamura and Corey Fonville for this exciting debut of 10 modern jazz tunes.
“Parachute” starts the listen, and it showcases Fields’ stunning finger acrobatics alongside Fonville’s lively drums, and “New Season Blues” follows with a fuller approach that benefits from Nakamura’s strategic bass, as the fluid keys radiate warmth.
The title track arrives in the middle, and it emits a distinct intimacy amid the restrained rhythm section, while “Yasorey” is a scrappy, rich album highlight that’s not short on melody or grooves.
Residing near the end, “Sketches” builds into a crisp and rumbling climate of dynamic interaction between the three, and “The Lookout” exits with a frisky energy thanks to Fields’ meticulous keys, the agile drums and lively bass plucking.
A well thought out trio effort, Fields and company illuminate his ‘honest music’ approach, and it warrants repeated listens.
Travels well with: Skip Wilkins Trio- In Morava/Na Morave; Cory Weeds- Home Cookin’