Crimson Jazz Trio

I am realy enjoying CJ3's 'King Crimson Songbook: Volume One' which , for those who don't know, features some cherished KC tunes rearranged into a jazz trio format. It was the brainchild of the late Ian Wallace who all would know was an early version KC drummer and an excellent one at that. [ How sad is his passing at a comparitvely young age, but that's a separate matter].

He teams up with two excellent jazz players from the States in Jody Nardone on grand piano and Tim Landers on fretless bass, then into the studio with creative arrangements of these tunes they go, and they take off!

OK, well you're going to have to like the modern forms of jazz and , if a KC fan, tolerate the reshaping of some hallowed classics, but I'm here to tell you , it works .

Ian Wallace's drumming demonstates his talent and versatility, Tim Landers, while not obviously displaying the chops of a Jeff Berlin, for example, is such a tastefully technical player, I find his style and tone very warming. Jody Nardone is just a great player and in places [e.g. during 'Matte Kudasi'] displays a real Dave Grusin feel, which is saying something .

Highlights for me are 'Three of a Perfect Pair , Catfood, Ladies of the Road and I Talk to the Wind', but it's all good, if you like this style.

I have it on some good authority that Vol. II, which was recorded prior to IW's sad passing, is having some finishing touches added and will be released after all. [Those touches include some contributions by Mel Collins on saxes]. I'm looking forward to it.

Does anybody else share my enthusiasm for this? Let us know if you do.

[P.S. There is a very good review by 'Neulmann' right here on PA if you have a look - I recommend you do].

I hadn't even heard of it, but thanks for bringing it up, it definitely sounds like something I'd like to hear.

TO SEAN:
Thanks for your interest . If you like jazz and KC tunes, I can assure you, you won't be disappointed by this captivating release.