Mark Wade Trio - Event Horizon
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of
bassist Mark Wade’s debut album, Event Horizon. On it he has Tim Harrison on
Piano and Scott
Neumann on drums. I love piano trio music and keep being surprised at how
different groups can stretch the format. Usually the piano player is the leader
but in this case the bassist is at the helm. Not that you’d know, as Mark is
not one for hogging the limelight.
The album opens with the appropriately
upbeat Jump for Joy and this introduces us to the fluid, live sound of the
trio. Mark brings out a wonderful tone from his bass; a full woody sound which
he uses to great effect in the solos. My only grumble about the opening track
is the fade. Why fade it?
The following tunes take us through beautiful
chamber jazz (The Prisoner), tasteful use of space (Apogee), the almost funky
riffing in Tossed and some lush bowing on the lovely Valley and Stream; a tune
that felt like a suite. One of my favourites was Twist in the Wind, which I
would love to see played live (if we’re lucky enough to get the trio in the
UK). The penultimate track, Cold Spring, delivered on many levels and it wouldn’t
surprise me if one day it becomes a standard and ends up with a lyric. To close
the album the trio play their only cover (a refreshing surprise for a debut)
with If Only I had a Brain. This, with its terrific swing, left me wanting to
hear more.
Mark Wade’s group are well worth watching.
I suspect a band (and a leader) that can produce a debut this accomplished have
a lot more to offer.
Comments