CD Review: Matthew Read Trio - Anecdotes II

Benedict Wood (guitar), Matthew Read (double bass) & Arthur Newell (drums)

(Review by Russell) 

Three recent Guildhall graduates, the Matthew Read Trio is shortly to release a second album, a second volume, titled Anecdotes II. All bar one of the eleven tracks were written by bassist Read with one other contributed by guitarist Benedict Wood. Drummer Arthur Newell doesn’t contribute a

composition to the album but his sensitive playing is first-rate from start to finish.           

A press release states that the trio draws influence from ‘jazz, folk, country, hip-hop, dance music, spirituals and both European and American church music…’ Listening to the album (twice), one or two questions arise: Are these influences evident? Should one read this blurb in advance of sitting down to listen to the recording? Bebop Spoken Here’s CD and gig reviewer Steve H said recently that he listens to a review album three times. Perhaps all BST contributors could/should follow suit. First impressions are important and further listening invariably reveals something missed the first time around. A firm conclusion about Matthew Read’s Anecdotes II is that it is the work of three top class young musicians. Another conclusion is that the album purposely doesn’t set out to blow away the listener by dint of coruscating pyrotechnics. Thoughtful, measured, beautifully recorded (by Owain Fleetwood Jenkins), Anecdotes II is an album of contemporary jazz referencing the small combos noted for their abilities as composers in addition to their intimate and immaculate performances in the studio and on stage. Perhaps In Motian refers to Paul Motian. Benedict Wood’s guitar playing would have been appreciated by the likes of Jim Hall, perhaps Barney Kessel, and then there is a contemporary giant, Pat Metheny. Influences? Perhaps.

The press release imagines Kendrick Lamar (2018 Grammy award-winning ‘Best Rap Album’) and Kurt Rosenwinkel playing together would result in something like the track K. This track, more than any other, has a distinctive hook with its retro ’60s tv series theme tune feel and it is more uptempo than the other ten cuts on the album. In the era of the digital download Read’s Revolutions laments the loss of the physical product – ie the 33 rpm album (and its artwork). The track’s waltz-time feel and subtle swing make this one of two or three standout compositions. Bandleader bassist Read was the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Dankworth Prize for Big Band composition and arranging. Anecdotes II is a testament to Read’s abilities and, what’s more, he doesn’t seek the limelight, the trio form being his primary concern.                              

The Matthew Read Trio will launch the new CD Anecdotes II* on Thursday 15 February at Kansas Smitty’s in London. The trio’s British tour is underway, tonight (29 January) it’s Manchester at the Peer Hat, tomorrow it’s Liverpool (Parr Jazz), continuing throughout February into April. The Jazz Café, Newcastle welcomes the trio on Friday (2 February), 9:00pm. Advance tickets can be obtained by telephoning the venue from noon tomorrow (Tuesday) on 0191 222 9882.

Russell.

* The CD cover doesn’t identify a record label. The catalogue number is BOD002. For further info visit: www.matthewread.co.uk  or see Matthew Read at a gig as he’s sure to have copies with him.