CD Review: Fact Finding Mission Trichotomy

Fact Finding Mission is Trichotomy’s third album for Naim Jazz. The Australian trio’s addition of guitar, percussion, reeds and samples on some of the tracks introduces a new dimension to the group sound. The title track’s use of samples instils urgency, menace and tension. Civil Unrest achieves similar results; John Parker’s sparkling drumming and guitarist James Muller’s brisk soloing sustain the piece. The Brook spotlights the core trio - Sean Foran (piano), Parker and bassist Patrick Marchisella - to good effect. Foran deploys a percussive approach, develops sinuous lines and has surely listened to Dave Brubeck. The ballad form is heard on Lullaby placing Trichotomy firmly in the piano trio tradition and the closing number Brick by Brick featuring Dva (percussionist Tunji Beier and the reeds of Linsey Pollak) illustrates the breadth of material handled with ease by a first class contemporary Australian jazz group. The Aussies must like a British winter as they are about to reach these shores to go on tour! The Stables (Tuesday 5 February) in Buckinghamshire kicks-off the ten date tour and ten days later winds up at Matt n’ Phreds in Manchester. Fact Finding Mission is available at gigs and at www.naimjazz.com.

Russell.