CD Review: Matt Newton Trio - Within Reach

Matt Newton (pno/Rhodes/whistles); Dan Fortin (bs); Ethan Ardelli (dms) + (on one track only) Felicity Williams (voice); Harley Card (gtr).

(Review by Lance)

An Ontario based contemporary piano trio that pushes a few borders without crossing them completely - just enough to let the listener know we're in Century 21. Within Reach is an apt description and the opening title track reveals Newton to be an able pianist with an inventive turn of phrase. This inventiveness applies equally to the eight compositions of which he wrote seven, bassist Fortin supplied the penultimate piece which, surprisingly, is named Ends.

Fortin and Ardelli, described as two of Canada's most sought after musicians, add their own lines making this an equilateral trio rather than the master and two slaves set up of many of the trios of yesteryear.

Our Own World sees the trio become a quintet with Felicity Williams' wordless vocal and Harley Card's sublime guitar sounds adding a further dimension. Newton's switch to Fender Rhodes provides more tonal variation.

It's an interesting album - not too far out for the traditionalists but far enough from the mainstream to attract the contemporary listener.

Think EST or early Meldhau and you'll get the idea as to where they're at.

The CD: Matt Newton Trio - Within Reach was released in Canada earlier this year supported by the Ontario Arts Council.

For further details click here.

Lance.
WHOOPS! I've already reviewed this last month (Feb. 27)!