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JC Sanford: Imminent Standards Trio Vol. 1

By Jack Bowers
July 18, 2021
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JC Sanford: Imminent Standards Trio Vol. 1

Trombone-led trios are few and far between, but Minnesota-based

JC Sanford

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">JC Sanford, a prot��g�� of the late great

Bob Brookmeyer

trombone
1929 - 2011

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Brookmeyer, gives it a go with bassist

Jeff Bailey

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Bailey and drummer

" data-original-title="" title="">Phil Hey on Imminent Standards Trio Vol. 1, whose title does not derive from imminent, as in "soon-to-be," but as in "Imminent Brewing," the trio's monthly performing space in Northfield, MN.

As for the album's groove, the trio has chosen relaxed, and glides easily through a program comprising four themes from the Great American Songbook and half a dozen jazz standards by such masters as

Sam Rivers

saxophone, tenor
1923 - 2011

" data-original-title="" title="">Sam Rivers,

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter,

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk,

Benny Golson

saxophone, tenor
1929 - 2024

" data-original-title="" title="">Benny Golson,

Freddie Hubbard

trumpet
1938 - 2008

" data-original-title="" title="">Freddie Hubbard and

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington. The mood is set on the opener, a barely recognizable reading of the Ray Noble flag-waver, "Cherokee," taken at a leisurely tempo that is certainly different if not entirely persuasive. Even Rodgers and Hart's "Where or When," nominally a ballad, is performed at an even slower pace than usual, one that borders on dirge-like. There are more visible signs of life on Monk's "Nutty," Hubbard's "Dear John" and the standard "It's You or No One," but elsewhere, solemnity prevails. Sanford says tunes and tempos were chosen shortly before the session, to assure spontaneity, so there was an unmistakable game plan.

Even though this is a trio date (Sanford's choice), it could have been appreciably enhanced by the presence of a piano. That is not meant to imply that Sanford, Bailey and Hey are not accomplished musicians; they are. On the other hand, the trombone can be a less than inspiring solo instrument, and a piano would have brightened the rhythmic framework. And unlike Brookmeyer, Sanford has no

Gerry Mulligan

saxophone, baritone
1927 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Gerry Mulligan or

Stan Getz

saxophone, tenor
1927 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Stan Getz waiting in the wings to counterbalance his horn while adding color and variety.

As it is, the trio does the best it can given the boundaries within which it has decided to perform. Sanford and his teammates work well together, and solos are competent, albeit less than exceptional. It is simply a trim, well-mannered session, one which may not excite the senses but should not cause any undue distress.

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Track Listing

Cherokee; Beatrice; Time After Time; Juju; Where or When; Nutty; It��s You or No One; Whisper Not; Dear John; Single Petal of a Rose.

Personnel

JC Sanford

trombone

Jeff Bailey

bass

Phil Hey

drums

Album information

Title: Imminent Standards Trio Vol. 1 | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Shifting Paradigm Records

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