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Johnathan Blake: Trion

By Karl Ackermann
May 12, 2019
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A journeyman drummer with over fifty album credits,

Johnathan Blake

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Johnathan Blake has long associations with

Tom Harrell

trumpet
b.1946

" data-original-title="" title="">Tom Harrell and

Kenny Barron

piano
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Barron and has appeared with

Oliver Lake

saxophone
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Oliver Lake,

Roy Hargrove

trumpet
1969 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Roy Hargrove,

Alex Sipiagin

trumpet
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Alex Sipiagin,

Donny McCaslin

saxophone, tenor
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Donny McCaslin,

Avishai Cohen

bass
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Avishai Cohen,

" data-original-title="" title="">Omer Avital and many other well-known artists. His previous outings as leader were The Eleventh Hour (Sunnyside, 2012) and Gone, But Not Forgotten (Criss Cross Jazz, 2014). Blake's chordless trio with tenor saxophonist

Chris Potter

saxophone, tenor
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Potter and bassist

Linda May Han Oh

bass, acoustic
b.1984

" data-original-title="" title="">Linda May Han Oh presents Trion, a work of considerable energy and fun.

For a saxophonist who has never been "showy," Potter is frequently a highlight of whatever show he is part of. Along with almost two dozen releases as a leader he has recorded multiple times with

Dave Holland

bass
b.1946

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Holland,

Dave Douglas

trumpet
b.1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Douglas,

David Binney

saxophone, alto
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">David Binney,

Paul Motian

drums
1931 - 2011

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Motian, the

Mingus Big Band

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Mingus Big Band and

Pat Metheny

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Metheny. He is a powerhouse but one with sophistication. Linda May Han Oh is lightly recorded at this point but her impact is apparent in the numerous awards she has collected in the past ten years. Born to parents of Chinese descent, she grew up in Australia, studying classical music and piano, but her tastes are eclectic and led her to jazz.

This double-disc set was recorded live at New York's Jazz Gallery in 2018; each disc opening with a relatively short drum solo. Potter flutters into the Police classic, "Synchronicity 1," here reimagined as a sixteen-minute workout, Sting's hit barely recognizable in this visceral treatment. "Good Hope," a Potter composition, is a another long, blistering piece that allows each member ample opportunities to express themselves. Oh takes an extended solo on the introduction to her composition "Trope," one of a few mid-tempo pieces in a set dominated by cookers. Other changes of pace come from the blues-laced numbers "No Bebop Daddy" and "West Berkley St."

Potter's tenor often dominates the proceedings but there is a strong emphasis on interplay throughout Trion. The three musicians have worked together occasionally and their ability to hear each other in some of the more uninhibited improvisations, is impressive. The set, even at its most mercurial, never comes off the track and Blake controls the always flowing dialogue with a deft touch. Highly recommended.

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Track Listing

CD 1:
Calodendrum; Synchronicity 1; Trope (Linda Intro); Trope; One for Honor; High School Daze; No Bebop Daddy.
CD 2:
Bedrum; Good Hope; Eagle; Relaxing at the Camarillo; Blue Heart; West Berkley St.

Personnel

Johnathan Blake

drums

Johnathan Blake: drums; Chris Potter: tenor saxophone; Linda May Han Oh: bass.

Album information

Title: Trion | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Giant Step Arts

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Oct 7 Tue

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Ronnie Scott's
London, UK

Feb 13 Fri

Kenny Barron Trio

Wexner Center for the Arts
Columbus, OH

Feb 13 Fri

Kenny Barron Trio

Wexner Center for the Arts
Columbus, OH

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