Scott Colley, Edward Simon, and Brian Blade | Three Visitors Review

Edward-Simon-Scott-Colley-Brian-Blade-5-Finger-Review-Feature-Pic

Scott Colley, Edward Simon, and Brian Blade | Three Visitors Review

by Darnell Jackson

Edward-Simon-Scott-Colley-Brian-Blade-5-Finger-ReviewIn the many releases in the modern jazz genre, the occasions when three singular voices converge with such innate chemistry and purpose as they do on Three Visitors are rare. Pianist Edward Simon, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Brian Blade form an ensemble where each track is a dialogue in emotional colors possible during a musical conversation.

The album’s title speaks to the idea of visitation—a multi-layered concept permeating this work. Whether it’s the trio’s visitation to the emotional and spiritual realms of their music, their homage to the giants of jazz who came before, or the fleeting but transformative nature of their collaboration, Three Visitors is a captivating jazz listening experience.

From the opening track, “Nostalgia,” Simon’s piano introduces a moving melody adorned with understated string quartet arrangements. This Simon original composition lets the listener know the coming journey thrives on contrasts. Colley and Blade anchor the composition with their impeccable interplay, balancing individual parts with conversational themes. The piece unfolds naturally with the romantic string arrangement by Shawne Workman drifting in motion with the trio, each section offering a changing dialog.

“Kintsukuroi,” named after the Japanese art of mending broken pottery, showcases Blade’s gift for storytelling through his drum set. His brushwork whisps and sways, complementing Simon’s impeccably voiced harmonies and Colley’s contrapuntal bass lines. The trio embodies the metaphor of restoration, crafting beauty from fragility and expression through space and movement. Colley’s bass solo is lyrical and echoes the inner movements of voices.

Simon’s “You Are” features a standout guest appearance by Chris Potter on tenor saxophone. Simon’s keys shimmer with modern European and American jazz colors as the orchestral grandeur string quartet punctuates moments of heightened intensity. Colley’s bass solo leads to Simon’s solo, the trio working to shape each phrase as the solo section turns into a shared conversation between the three players. Potter’s fiery improvisation enters towards the end of the track, riding the crest of the trio’s dynamic interplay, his tone cutting through like a clarion call of passion and virtuosity. His well-formed solo is energetic and punctuated by the strings. The addition of Jana Dagdagan’s spoken-word narration adds an ethereal quality, underscoring the track’s theme of self-actualization.

“I Wanna Be With You” is a collaboration between Simon and guest vocalist Becca Stevens. Her voice, imbued with a delicate yet commanding presence, merges R&B, jazz, and folk influences into a spellbinding performance. The rhythm section, augmented by Rogério Boccato’s Brazilian-inflected percussion, provides a supple foundation for this lush, genre-defying piece.

Colley’s contributions, such as “Ellipsis” and “Far Rockaway,” highlight his penchant for narrative composition. On “Ellipsis,” his bass sings with lyricism, guiding the trio through elastic swing and shadowy harmonic terrain. Meanwhile, “Far Rockaway” captures a raw, exploratory energy, with Blade’s drumming acting as both a driving force and a subtle provocateur.

As a trio, Simon, Colley, and Blade demonstrate an extraordinary ability to balance freedom and structure. Their improvisations feel as intentional as their composed passages, a testament to their decades-long rapport. Colley aptly describes this dynamic as “a creative telepathy,” where silence and space become integral parts of the musical dialogue.

Edward-Simon-Scott-Colley-Brian-Blade-2The album closes with the title track, “Three Visitors,” a piece that encapsulates the trio’s essence. It’s a swirling, cinematic journey that touches on the avant-garde without losing its emotional core. Each player’s contributions are distinct yet inseparable, their voices blending into a singular, resonant whole.

Three Visitors explores connection, memory, and the transcendent power of music. For jazz fans, this recording offers a rewarding journey in ensemble interplay, compositional depth, and the art of listening. Simon, Colley, and Blade remind us that the most profound musical conversations happen not when players speak over each other, but when they genuinely listen and converse from a space of respect.

 

5-finger-rates-the-album-90Artist: Scott Colley, Edward Simon, and Brian Blade
Album: Three Visitors
Label: GroundUP Music

Release Date: November 1, 2024

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darnell-jackson
Darnell Jackson

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