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Triology: The Slow Road

By Pierre Giroux
April 27, 2025
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In The Slow Road, the Canadian trio Triology—comprised of pianist

Miles Black

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Black, guitarist

Bill Coon

guitar, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Coon, and bassist

Jodi Proznick

bass, acoustic
b.1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Jodi Proznick—joins forces with the inimitable tenor saxophonist

" data-original-title="" title="">Scott Hamilton to present a recording that swings with warmth, restraint, and unfailing musicality. This is chamber jazz at its most elegant, invoking the refined spirit of classic drummerless trios such as

Oscar Peterson

piano
1925 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Oscar Peterson's early unit, the

Nat King Cole

piano and vocals
1919 - 1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Nat King Cole Trio, and the telepathic interplay of

Ahmad Jamal

piano
1930 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Ahmad Jamal's 1950s groups.

The nine-tune tracklist is arranged to deliver a nuanced tapestry of counterpoint, swing and subtle propulsion, beginning with Jodi Proznick's original "Luna," which opens on a contemplative note. It is a gentle moonlit reverie that allows Hamilton to unfurl his lyrical lines with breathy restraint. Coon and Black outline the harmonic contours while Proznick's bass provides subtle motion. "Pompton Turnpike" is a lesser-known swing era gem famously recorded by

Charlie Barnet

saxophone
1913 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Barnet's Orchestra in the 1940s. Hamilton's affinity with this repertoire is palpable, and his playing has bounce, bite, and charm. Triology approaches the number with an infectious sense of groove as developed by Black's comping and Coon's fluid single-note lines, a brisk ride down the highway handled with impeccable style.

The title track, "Slow Road," an original tune by Bill Coon unfurls with mid-tempo patience and poise and reflects the album's ethos: thoughtful phrasing, subtle harmonic movement, and shared respect for space. This is no cutting contest; it is only a conversational outing where each musician listens as much as they play.

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker's "Moose The Mooche" injects a burst of bebop energy into the set. With Hamilton laying out, it is Coon and Black trading bop-infected solos. Proznick anchors the tune with steadfast swing and the absence of drums is no hindrance. "Thanks For The Memories" is probably best recalled as Bob Hope's signature tune with which he ended his radio and television programs. Here it is given a particularly tender reading. The ballad showcases Hamilton's extraordinary ability to caress a melody, allowing every phrase to breathe and resonate. His tone is hushed and intimate, and the trio responds with reverence.

The album closes with a Miles Black blue-tinged original "Blues For Franz," which fuses gospel warmth with late-night cool. The number feels like a farewell toast; affectionate, swinging, relaxed. Each musician contributes solos filled with humour and heart. Hamilton is mainly engaged in blending blues inflection with his signature swing phrasing. The album is a reminder that jazz, at its core, is about the connection between musicians, between melody and rhythm, between past and present.

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Track Listing

Luna; Pompton Turnpike; Luiza; Slow Road; Moose The Moche; Hi-Fly; I Thought About You; Thanks For The Memories; Blues For Fraz.

Personnel

Miles Black

piano

Bill Coon

guitar, electric

Jodi Proznick

bass, acoustic

Scott Hamilton

saxophone, tenor

Album information

Title: The Slow Road | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Cellar Music Group

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