Gary Peacock (bass); Marc Copland (piano); Joey Baron (drums).
(Review by Lance).
Two in a row from ECM! Things are looking up. Tangents is a less frantic album than the one by Vijay Iyer but, in its own way, equally compelling. Veteran bassist Peacock has such a full sound that the monotony that often plagues bass-led trios is avoided. Such is the resonance it could have been a horn player. Copland on piano and drummer Baron combine to make this a three-way split with each member holding equal shares.
Peacock pays tribute to Bill Evans, with whom he recorded the pianist's classic album Trio 64, by playing Spartacus and Blue in Green. The former piece is one of the most lyrical of film soundtracks which is surprising given the nature of the character - a Thracian Gladiator! However, further investigation spoke of the warrior's devotion to his wife and it is this love theme that no doubt provided the inspiration and it does indeed exude warmth and love in the hands of the trio as it did when Bill Evans was parking the chariot on his album The Solo Sessions 54 years ago. The latter piece is known only too well from Kind of Blue and it takes no harm here.
The Ornette inspired Rumblin' has Peacock dancing through the changes (Ornette? Changes?) Talkin' Blues is a blues even though it is multi-directional at times. The core sequence is there - you just need to seek.
All in all, an album not just for bass players although they will be first in the queue but also an album for those who like something different to your normal piano, bass and drums set-up. It's not party or cocktail lounge music. Nor is it car stereo material. It's music that demands your undivided attention.
To be played over and over to catch the little things you missed the first time.
The end result is a very satisfying listening experience.
Lance.
Tangents will be available on ECM 2533 from August 25.
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