The Nat Janoff Group Looking Through

Although there are plenty of examples of genius solo recordings, great duet partnerships, classic quartets and historical quintets, sextets, septets, octets and nonets, not to mention the big bands and orchestras, the trio holds a special place in the heart of things jazz. This John McLaughlin-influenced trio setting is yet another reason why that is so.

First take three exceptional musicians, each with their own individual style, throw them into a recording studio melting pot along with a handful of exquisitely rich compositions and you cannot fail to create something very special. Janoff has been blessed with superior rhythmic support - our old friend bassist Matthew Garrison and relative unknown Gene Lake (Meshell Ndegeocello, Steve Coleman, David Fiuczynski). A trio's balance is delicate and their role is not a servile one. Whilst the plump basslines and Lake's rapid-fire expressive skins style make prudent use of the foreground, Garrison's bass pyrotechnics are sparing; the arena to hear what he is more capable of is on his own recent self-titled solo album (see review Matthew Garrison), and equally for Lake on Cycles.

The opening title track rips it up, the guitar is harsh and gutsy when soloing, sublime upturned comping licks when not. The track Room With A View, is reminiscent of Blue In Green from John McLaughlin Trio Live At The Royal Festival Hall, November 27, 1989. Elsewhere this triad's working together exudes an essence of Lifetime, Williams-like frenetic drumming and blistering electric guitar, (but it's not so 70's, not so rocking - more tempered blues funk) yet elsewhere the strains of classic bop seep through, without ever being banal. The rather pretty Three Sunsets provides an overdubbed solo spotlight for Janoff but overall it is an exemplary album of trio communication. Sing-song melodies, refreshingly imaginative soloing and superb musicianship and horribly too short at only 34:08 minutes.