Another group of unfamiliar names to me and, I suspect, to most fans this side of of the Atlantic. Still, that's one of the beauties of music - the joy of discovery.
They open up with Gone Fishin' one of eight originals by Cardello and not to be confused with the Louis Armstrong/Bing Crosby hit from back in the early 1950s.The other three composers are Cedar Walton, Harold Mabern and Cole Porter.
It was Porter who provided All of You. Taken at a nice easy swing it allows Cardello and Muir-Cotton to fly as gracefully as a pair of swallows on the wing.
Steppin' Up - A hard-hitting feature for Branch who doesn't pull any punches whether soloing or driving the other two to the brink. No floating swallows on this one - I guess they've gone back to Capistrano.
Mabern's John Neely may refer to a tenor sax player of that name. Tenor saxist Lewis makes the first of his three appearances here and he blows fine post-bop tenor. Cardello too is up for it and the whole shebang swings like they used to swing but without losing today's contemporary edge.
Cardello's Motherhood has appealingly, meandering, pianistic explorations that make me wonder is he composing as a son, a father or a husband? Plenty to ponder about listening to his rich harmonies.
Don't Look Back. Lewis returns for this one. The quartet get a nice driving groove going with a funky feel and some effective dynamics.
A Night in New York. It captures the buzz of Manhattan after the clubs and theaters have sent the customers on their way rejoicing (or otherwise). Soft and peaceful it suggests that there is more to New York than frantic car chases and back alley shootings. No need to call in the National Guard. If you can't afford the air fare listen to this track.
Cedar Walton's Groundwork, as swinging a trio disc as you're likely to hear this side of the original. Just how many fingers does Cardello have? I counted at least twenty! Driven unsparingly along by Branch with harmonic guidance from Muir-Cotton this could be the piano track of the year.
Cardello's Solidarity brings Lewis back into the firing line with some tough, bluesy, almost 'walking the bar' tenor. Every chorus you think he's going to blow a you're a dirty rascal phrase but he pulls back just before the Jazz Police could make the charge stick.
Where do we go Now. The title doesn't end with a question mark which suggests there is no answer. Nevertheless, it's a poignant piece of inward soul-searching by the pianist that is deeply touching to both player and listener.
Music For the People, a blues that exudes a soulful feel reminiscent of Ramsey Lewis. All three appear to be having a ball proving that they too are people and not some AI manifestation shaken and stirred by a mad alchemist.
Piano trios don't come much better than this. Lance
Release date: August 29 (Friday)
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