With so much music trying hard to define itself in the moods and electronic modes of the 21st century it is, indeed, refreshing to come across a disc with music that swings unabashedly – that harks back to the time when all that mattered was groove and swing. Knowing what pianist Jackie Warren, bassist Amy Shook and drummer Sherrie Maracle can do it’s no surprise that this swinging stuff should have come from the three musicians.
Miss Maracle is a drummer that plays deep in the pocket, which allows Miss Shook to dance with sophisticated harmonics around the pianism of Miss Warren. Even in the conventional piano trio format this music shines. The compositions are made up of a range of ear-worms that emanate from Miss Warren’s sophisticated pianism and which spread infectiously through the eloquent gravitas of Miss Shook’s bass to the jubilant thunder and splash of Miss Maracle’s drums – dancing melodies, exquisite harmonies and incessant rhythms that drive each of these songs.
This repertoire shines through the considerable balance and integration of composition and improvisation, of expression and exploration, of individuality and tradition – all of which is impressively maintained throughout. Pianist, bassist and drummer individually and in ensemble ring in the changes in mood structure and tempo thus making for a constantly interesting programme – from the swinging opening chart to the rollicking up-tempo climax on “L.O.V.E.” at the end of the disc.
Track list – 1: I Love to See You Smile; 2: Besamé Mucho; 3: Moonglow; 4: Back to the Chicken Shack; 5: Angel Eyes; 6: Recado Bossa Nova; 7: When You and I Were Young; 8: L.O.V.E
Personnel – Jackie Warren: piano; Amy Shook: contrabass; Sherrie Maracle: drums
Released – 2020
Label – DIVA Jazz
Runtime – 57:56
