Soft Light
Miller Three, 2025
9/10
The Austin, Texas jazz guitarist Mark Scott III has put in plenty of time as both a leader and sideman, and this debut trio album welcomes Ben Triesch and Mike Gordon to 11 tender and personal tracks.
The warm spirit of the radiant “Carpals” opens with Scott III’s meticulous guitar playing amid the frisky drums from Gordon, and “Food Court” follows with a soothing climate that benefits much from Triesch’s cozy bass playing.
“Sneak Peak” and “Monster Beat” land in the middle. The former is a playful moment where the trio interact with much energy and creativity, while the latter is strong on tonality and crisp drumming that suits the meticulous guitar progressions.
Landing near the end, the aptly titled “Warmth” offers an intimate moment of beauty and harmony, and “The Sun Behind A Cloud” exits with a heartfelt delivery that’s dreamy and gripping.
The impetus for this album came from a sudden loss in Scott III’s family, and the emotional appeal and highly technical playing emits a truly exceptional jazz guitar outing.
Travels well with: Marc Ciprut- Moonshine; Omer Leshem- Play Space