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Pablo Held Trio: Investigations

By Roger Farbey
March 27, 2018
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The complex title perfectly characterises Pablo Held's compositional approach. Here he utilises light and shade to mix swathes of tranquillity with petulant stabbing phrases accompanied by equally sharp drum retorts. However, and this is crucial, the piece flows together seamlessly.

The lissome nature of "Dr Freeds" betrays an influence of

Bill Evans

piano
1929 - 1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Evans but the ethereal, searching quality encapsulating "I'll Dream Of Flowers" is more reminiscent of compositions by Held's erstwhile mentor, the British jazz piano virtuoso

John Taylor

piano
1942 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">John Taylor. The integrated tightness of the trio on the opening to "Yearning" is phenomenal as is the coiled-spring tension that's released half way through that number. The lyricism of "April Sonne," the sonic contours of "Birkenhain" or the questioning staccato piano runs on the spacey "Haiku Kit," here embellished by guest keyboardist Hubert Nuss, all add up to a very superior studio session indeed.

Investigations is the tenth album by Held as leader with his regular rhythm section comprising Robert Landfermann on bass and Jonas Burgwinkel on drums which he's used since their first record together in 2007, Forest Of Oblivion. The trio gel together as well as any jazz unit could hope to aspire and even exude something of the near-supernatural compatibility of the legendary

Keith Jarrett

piano
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Keith Jarrett/

Gary Peacock

bass, acoustic
1935 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Gary Peacock/

Jack DeJohnette

drums
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Jack DeJohnette line-up. In 2014 the Held's trio recorded a live album in Cologne with guitarist

John Scofield

guitar
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">John Scofield—The Trio Meets John Scofield, (Pirouet Records, 2016); and whilst mostly recognised as a European outfit, as evidenced by this stunningly beautiful album, the group really needs to be recognised as a world class trio of exceptional talent.

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Track Listing

Investigations; Dr. Freeds; I��ll Dream of Flowers; Yearning; Stubborn; April Sonne; Birkenhain; Haiku Kit.

Personnel

Pablo Held

piano

Pablo Held: piano; Robert Landfermann: double bass; Jonas Burgwinkel: drums plus Hubert Nuss: keyboards (8).

Album information

Title: Investigations | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Edition Records

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