3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The after-hours jazz club you always wanted to find, September 9, 2011
This review is from: Bright Blue (Audio CD)
I find that the real test of a jazz album isn't my first reaction, but how I feel months or even years later. Now that I've had this disc for awhile, Jeffrey Burr has moved onto my short list of favorite new (to me) artists.
"Bright Blue" gives me the feeling I've stumbled into an out-of-the-way bistro to unexpectedly find a jazz trio captivating the crowd. Burr's style is delicate, spare, and thoughtful. His playing seems to take as much inspiration from Bill Evans' piano as from earlier guitar masters. On this album, he's not out to knock you over with his chops; this set is about taste and restraint, about inviting you to listen rather than demanding it. That doesn't mean the music is simplistic, though - this is jazz that holds up well in repeat listenings.
Much of this album's appeal for me lies in the superb interplay between Burr and his trio mates (Ari Hoenig on drums, John Hebert and Steve Doyle alternating tracks on bass). The title track is a great example, with each musician making his own contribution yet leaving plenty of musical space.
The recording quality is very good, offering an intimate up-close perspective. If I have any quibble here, it's that the bass and drums may be a tad muted in the mix for my taste; with such great collaboration I like to hear all the subtle details of each musician's playing. But that's a nit, and nothing that detracts from my enjoyment of the tunes.
"Bright Blue" was an unexpected gem for me. Check out the preview - if this sounds like your style of jazz then turn down the lights, sit down with a cocktail, and enjoy a great set.
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