Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Matt Chandler: Astrometrics

Matt Chandler: Astrometrics

By Roger Farbey
May 13, 2017
View read count

The concept of the organ trio in jazz is well-established and often provides a dynamism that even some big bands struggle to manifest. Happily this is one such trio album. Dispensing with the pedantic formalities first, the quirky title of this album is actually an anagram derived from the first names of each of the band members. But this fact speaks nothing about the music itself which proves consistently engaging.

This is

Matt Chandler

guitar
b.1977

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Chandler's third album hot in pursuit of the quintet album with saxophonist Toni Kofi, It Goes Like This and the guitar, bass and drum trio CD After Midnight. Judging by Astrometrics his career trajectory is definitely skywards.

The opener "Funk Work" commences with slinky

Wes Montgomery

guitar
1923 - 1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Wes Montgomery-esque octaves, gradually developing a seething intensity as Chandler explores the upper registers of the fretboard. Courtesy of a keen and memorable head, "The Sting" produces some of Chandler's best work with fluid, fast runs and solid support from Ross Stanley. "El Diablo" powered by Stanley's omnipresent Hammond B3 does indeed move like a devil.

The bluesy "5 Bar Short" is underpinned by Stanley's subtle organ work and cool rim shot infused drumming from Eric Ford. Arguably, the guitarist is heard at his best on no-nonsense fast-paced numbers such as "Dirty Rat" where his arpeggiated runs are clear and precise. This contrasts with the slower, Latin-tinged "Doctor's In The House." For nearly seventy minutes, this talented trio produces some frequently riveting music with an album that flows with seamless sophistication.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Funk Work; The Sting; El Diablo; Doctor's In The House; Intricate Facade; Scene Of No Scene; 5 Bar Short; Dirty Rat; A Change Of Scene (Of No Scene).

Personnel

Matt Chandler

guitar

Matt Chandler: guitar; Ross Stanley: organ; Eric Ford: drums.

Album information

Title: Astrometrics | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: 33 Jazz

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Omar Sosa At SFJAZZ
< Previous

In Times Like These
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.