CD Review: Pablo Held Trio - Investigations

Pablo Held (piano); Robert Landfermann (bass); Jonas Burgwinkel (drums)

(Review by Lance).

Robert Towner is quoted thus: "The beautiful music of the Pablo Held Trio strikes me as an important example of the evolution of the piano trio in jazz. They embody the poetry and depth of this tradition, while extending the harmonic and rhythmic possibilities of the tradition. The music of this trio brings me joy knowing that this great art form continues to grow and flourish."

I'll add an Amen to that.

Held has a delicate and sensitive touch, just perfect for the suggestion of melancholia that pervades for much of the album.

Investigations is an apt title for a CD (or LP or digital) that is probing and explorative. All three musicians are continually searching, finding different routes, drawing different but yet sympathetic conclusions.

Bill Evans springs to mind as does Bach and Chopin - influences Held possibly picked up on the journey to his current eminence in the fickle world of contemporary jazz where today's heroes are sometimes scuffling tomorrow. I don't think Held or his henchmen will be scuffling in the near future. Their 2018 schedule includes gigs in Holland, Spain, Switzerland, Austria and, of course, their native Germany. They even get to touch down in London for a session at Pizza on June 16 and one at King's Place on September 1.

With 9 previous albums to their name, it is little wonder they are in such demand.

Not to be judged on a one-off session with next door's baby crying. It needs no distractions - each time you listen is a journey of discovery that may or may not take you to a new world.

Lance.

Realised on April 13 as CD/LP and digital by Edition Records.