The most interesting CD I heard in the past year was one of those "found" groups that occurs when musicians do things outside of their intended venues. Mark Turner, a saxophonist who has always investigated the edges of the genre, found a colloquial duo in bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard. This trio put together an invigorating, enlightening set of originals and covers that satisfies most every sensual and intellectual interest. The basic format features a pensive Turner searching for ideas while Grenadier and Ballard provide spirited ambiance--in modern trio music, percussion is the key, and Ballard, especially, is able to prance and drive his mates into alternately pulsating and solemn moments of pure improvisational joy. A special treat is their version of Jimi Hendrix's "Spanish Castle Magic," presented with a marching beat that re-emphasizes the rugged rhythm of the original while playing around with the guitar master's chromatic chordal displays. This album is a fine example of what jazz can do for music.
4.5 tocks
