TERJE RYPDAL - MIROSLAV VITOUS - JACK DEJOHNETTE

This album was fantastic. Rypdal rolls with one of the best bassists and my favorite drummer. The trio works perfectly together to create various dynamic and melodic ideas that one would expect from such a trio. Each member plays the way they always do. The songs were somewhat varied in tempo/pacing, but there was a similar texture throughout the album, not unlike most ECM albums. This time the texture wasn't so much due to the recording techniques but from Rypdal's use of a guitar synth. He used it quite often actually, but it wasn't detracting of the music. DeJohnette has said he loves playing slow, ballad tempos which is good considering some of the songs on here.

I used to be upset when a drummer wouldn't be playing. I like to feel a beat to a lot of music, but as I've gotten older and listened to more music you come to the realization that drums don't need to be played 100%, 100% of the time. DeJohnette is a master of the dynamic range and textural elements that are available with a drum set. He makes use of this in all situations. Without him on this album I probably would not have liked it as much. However, he was there and complimented Rypdal's synth experimentations.

That being said, the entire album is not one big Guitar synth experimentation, but did feature it as I mentioned before. This album is one to get if you are a fan of any or all three of these wonderful musicians. Although I feel the best performances here were from the supporters rather than the leader.