Customer Reviews

Juni

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

All of the Peter Erskine Trio recordings feature extraordinary new compositions, and Juni simply confirms that trend. It is immensely refreshing to hear such strong and compelling compositions performed by a jazz trio, rather than yet-another-standards-album. And of course, pianist John Taylor must surely deserve the prize for Talent Deserving Wider Recognition; I highly recommend recordings such as John Surman's Stranger Than Fiction, Jan Garbarek's Photo With Blue Sky..., and Kenny Wheeler's Music for Large and Small Ensembles, all of which are transformed by the incredible inventiveness of Taylor's playing.

Another top class recording to go with the previous three recorded by this trio for ECM. As ever, John Taylor's compositional and playing skills are showcased. Of the 4 recordings this is probably the weakest but it is still top quality. It may be too laid back for some and certainly it will not set the pulse racing. However, everything Peter Erskine does, he does with unparalleled enthusiasm and belief. It is a mystery why the Erskine trio catalague (with the exception of this) is not available in the US. Perhaps it is thought that this music is too European in that is is rather more measured and contemplative than mainstream US releases. Shame really because great music is great music no matter where it originates. I hope that Mr Erskine's eclectic approach to music making, his openmindedness and generosity of spirit continue to produce such excellent results for many years to come.

....Daniellson, and Taylor along with leader Erskine, are, in my interests anyway, among the the most tasteful players in Jazz. However, I found that on this outing, the band was finding interesting motiffs, but left them not fully explored/realized.

The sound quality is a bit too much on the crisp side; this trio's other albums have a softer instrumental touch.

Erskine is the nominal leader of this trio, which as above also includes bassist Palle Danielsson and pianist John Taylor. Those familiar with Taylor's piano style will know what to expect--gentle, probing music and arrangements that give all three players prominent place in the proceedings. The recording was done in Oslo by engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug, so veteran ECM listeners will know what kind of sound to expect. This is a recording that rewards repeated listening, but which may strike some listeners as listless and boring. Beauty is in the ear of the beholder.

3 1/2

Classy, uniquely percussion-driven trio work is a bit understated and noodle-heavy, the type of compositions that concentrate more on wind-ups than run-downs. Still, a fine introspective elegance washes over most of the proceedings despite persistent elusiveness.