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Colin Stranahan / Glenn Zaleski / Rick Rosato: Anticipation

By Bruce Lindsay
November 8, 2011
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Colin Stranahan / Glenn Zaleski / Rick Rosato: Anticipation

Colin Stranahan, Glenn Zaleski and Rick Rosato describe their trio as a "leaderless" jazz ensemble—a democratic aggregation. Anticipation is the band's first album, and provides plenty of evidence that such a democratic approach to jazz can have clear musical rewards.

The trio was the idea of Montreal bassist Rosato, drummer Stranahan—probably the best known of the three and a past member of

Herbie Hancock

piano
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Herbie Hancock and

Kurt Rosenwinkel

guitar
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Kurt Rosenwinkel's groups, and who gets his name at the front of the list, and pianist Zaleski, who gets the most composer credits (three, to Rosato's two and Stranahan's one). So far, so fair. The music is, thankfully, the clincher: a vital, lively, mix of tunes on which each member of the trio impresses but no single player emerges as the kingpin. Indeed, even though each of the original tunes is credited to one or other of the band members, they are all collaborative efforts—and each tune was recorded in one or two takes.

Rosato's compositions—"Clark" and "Origami"—are the most readily accessible of the original tunes. Stranahan's "Gentle Rain" paints a musical soundscape that perfectly captures its title: a delicately romantic piece. Zaleski's tunes show the greater range of styles and moods. "On The Road" is an edgy, angular, piece that resembles

Django Bates

piano
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Django Bates' re-workings of

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker numbers. "Deep Blue" is a much more fluid piece, with a relaxed feel despite building occasional moments of tension.

The trio approaches the standards with flair and imagination. "Boplicity" is particularly refreshing, the

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis and

Gil Evans

composer / conductor
1912 - 1988

" data-original-title="" title="">Gil Evans tune getting a slow shuffle rhythm beneath Zaleski's melody line. The pianist opens "I Should Care" with a beautiful but brief solo, before Stranahan and Rosato join in to give the tune a touch of urgency.

Anticipation is an impressive debut from three independent-minded but strongly collaborative players: a trio that may lack a leader, but doesn't lack a sense of direction.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

All The Things You Are; Deep Blue; On The Road; Clark; Origami; First Rain; Anticipation; Boplicity; I Should Care.

Personnel

Colin Stranahan

drums

Glenn Zaleski: piano; Rick Rosato: bass; Colin Stranahan: drums.

Album information

Title: Anticipation | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Capri Records

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