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Vijay Iyer Trio: Break Stuff
ByOn the exquisite "Mystery Woman," for instance, Iyer plays percussive chords with one hand and haunting, lilting cascade of notes with the other building a sublime harmonic balance. The serene atmosphere that follows coalesces around bassist

Stephan Crump
bass, acousticb.1972

Marcus Gilmore
drumsb.1986
Saxophonist

John Coltrane
saxophone1926 - 1967
Deceptive simplicity is one of the hallmarks of Iyer's originals on the record. The Baroque-esque "Chorale" for example is built around an unadorned melody. The ensemble's intriguing refrains grow more complex with each bar resulting in a sophisticated, contemplative and gripping piece that crystalizes around the linear and mellifluous theme.
Elsewhere the quietly undulating "Wrens," one of the three avian themed compositions, transforms into an expansive tune. Iyer's shimmering lines are interlaced with Crump's deeply resonant sonic undercurrent and Gilmore's propulsive beats. The solemn "Starlings" features Iyer's classically influenced pianism, Crump's primal, thumping bass and Gilmore's sparse cymbal splashes.
A similarly orgnaic mood permeates the splendid "Geese." Crump's con- arco phrases, with hints of delightful dissonance, evoke the calls of the title birds. The tense and passionate three-way conversation that emerges maintains an elegiac and somber tone while channeling a wise tranquility.
For their first recording together for the ECM label, Iyer and his band-mates create engaging and provocative music. Superlative camaraderie and individual instrumental prowess coexist in perfect equilibrium as do the cerebral and the emotive, the elemental and the arcane. The result is a singular and ingenious disc that engrosses and stimulates. ">
Track Listing
Starlings; Chorale; Diptych; Hood; Work; Taking Flight; Blood Count; Break Stuff; Mystery Woman; Geese; Countdown; Wrens.
Personnel
Vijay Iyer
pianoVijay Iyer: piano; Stephan Crump: double bass; Marcus Gilmore: drums.
Album information
Title: Break Stuff | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: ECM Records
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