Kim Bock
formed a tenor/organ/drums trio a couple of years prior to this 2010 record date with
Soren Moller
and
Peter Retzlaf
, though this is hardly a typical soul-oriented jazz session like many such trios. Instead,
Bock
Moller
contributed original compositions that fall more into post-bop and modal jazz.
's
"To Part"
proves to be an infectious opener, with
's hard-edged tenor and the organist's soft mambo bassline. The organist's engaging
"Ellis Island"
has a Latin flavor and an air of celebration.
's lush ballad
"Graceful Motions"
is a richly textured work, with
Retzlaff
's soft brushwork and
's understated solo. The saxophonist's turbulent
"Different Bag of Tricks"
is modal jazz as its best, with several surprising twists on the journey, while his
"Yin Yang"
is an upbeat cooker that seems to glide along in a carefree manner. Throughout the date the musicians seem very much of one mind as they explore each number, making it sound effortless in the process. ~ Ken Dryden