Drummer Paul Wertico explores a noticeably harder edge in the music of his trio than in his work with the jazz guitar giant Pat Metheny. This jazz "power" trio offers an often-heavy slant to their blues, rock, and world music-inflected instrumentals. Wertico's command of both drum set and exotic percussion instruments adds a unique flavor to the music, which primarily finds its focus in guitarist John Moulder's eclectic tones. Also adding a unique voice is bassist Eric Hochberg.
Musically, the trio covers a broad spectrum of interesting areas. The African boogie groove of the opener "Clybourn Strut" is a good clue that typical fusion is not what this band is after. Contrast that with the more ethereal "The Visit," with it's chattering percussion and distant wails, and the raucously driving "Long Journey's End" and one gets the idea that the primary musical force behind the trio is the pure freedom of exploration. Other unique statements include Wertico's floating "Justa Little Tuna," featuring Hochberg on muted trumpet, and the rocking closer "Testament."
Professional Reviews
CMJ (9/4/00, p.29) - "...A bad-ass trio....sounding like a cross between Frank Zappa and Robert Fripp. Buckle up!"
Down Beat (12/00, pp.81,84) - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "...Sparks reflections of '70s hard rock power trio fare....[An] effervescent brew via divergent tempos, emotive interplay and pleasantly neurotic pandemonium...
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