GoBruCcio
NHIC, 2021
8/10
The guitarist Bob Gorry is in the company of bassist Pete Brunelli and drummer Peter Riccio across these 5 exciting and unpredictable tunes that are soaked in jazz ideas, but certainly not limited to one specific genre.
“Safecracker” starts with 10+ minutes of the trio interacting with no shortage of grooves as Gorry’s strong guitar work is especially bright during the adventurous and dynamic improvisation that alternates between busy and calm, and “Always Somewhere” continues the exploration, where Brunelli’s skilled bass work won’t go unnoticed.
Halfway through, “Magic City Madness” flirts with bop qualities amid Riccio’s fascinating drumming, while “Javelina” recruits a playful rhythm where on the surface it may seem like everyone is playing a different song, but upon further inspection it’s a strategic interplay of free jazz creativity. “Papillon” exits the listen, and touches on balladry in its prog-rock and even bluesy moments of timeless song craft.
Brunelli and Riccio have been friends since childhood, and they both have lengthy and esteemed careers in music, and Gorry’s experiences collaborating with many improvisers make for a unique and memorable display of free jazz bouts and calculated spontaneity that warrants repeated listens.
Travels well with: Kendall Carter- Introducing Kendall Carter; Dave Stryker- Baker’s Circle