Album Notes

Doing covers of tunes such as U2's "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" to the beautiful original ballad "The Last Time" this trio is taking on some of the pop standards of today while staying grounded in the traditions set by the Oscar Peterson Trio, Bill Evans' Trio and the Ray Brown Trio.

The great singer, songwriter and saxophonist Curtis Stigers (www.curtisstigers.com) had this to say about the trio's first outing in the recording studio: "The arrangements are clever and soulful, the musicianship is great, as I expected, but the big surprise is the songwriting: these are some very sophisticated, melodic tunes. I did not expect such quality songwriting, such lovely songs."

acoustic3's debut album starts out with an original tune "Late in the Evening". I don't know how else to describe this tune other than happy. It kicks along and gets you grooving. It has been likened to Dave Brubeck's infectious "Take Five".

Paying homage to Bill Evans in their approach to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" at the beginning, on piano, Justin explores the emotional depths of the tune, ending in a classic Gene Harris-style wallop that gently drifts away.

You've never heard the Norah Jones hit "Don't Know Why" played quite like this, with an arrangement that creates a lilting feel by cranking up the tempo and changing the meter to seven. The effect is compelling, laid over the easy chords of the tune. In the middle the piano breaks out a solo that starts small and builds. Many a piano player has painted themselves into a corner in such situations but Justin pulls it off effortlessly. You can easily see why the late Gene Harris' wife, Janie Harris, had this to say about Justin's playing: "Gene Harris played because he loved it. He gave everything he had to give when he performed. It was never a job to him. Justin has that same rare quality. He gives all he has to give when he plays. It's not just a job to him, it's a passion. He can play like Gene if he wants to, but he has his own unique style which is the essence of jazz. Justin is a gentleman, a true professional and is committed to raising the standard of Jazz..."

The next three tracks should be taken as a whole as they are all under the same name of the title of the album. This tune shows the compositional abilities of the trio and creates a light, breezy feeling. Listen to this one when you need an escape.

Pulling out the stops on Bill Evans' approach to playing in a trio the band explores a tune that was famously played by Bill's trio, exploring it and prodding it in new directions. The conversation between instruments is full on Bill Evans Trio with hints of Keith Jarrett's Trio mixed in.

When U2 first recorded "I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For" they likely never dreamed that it would be turned into such a hard swinging blues by a piano trio. This tune is like a great story that you already know but still love hearing because you know what's coming. After the head the bass takes a solo break leading into a full on solo filled with exploration of what the blues are. The piano finishes what the bass started in classic Gene Harris style. What do you expect from a trio hailing from the same city Gene Harris lived out his life in?

Plumbing some emotional depths on "The Last Time" the trio isn't afraid to leave space to let the unspoken tell the tragic story of this song. One gets the sense that these three musicians have a sense of trust for each other in playing such tunes. None are trying to outdo the others and lend support to each others' voices.

"Get It Right" is a tough piece on the inside but goes down smooth on the outside. Alternating meters most bars but still grooving and swinging hard this tune has some meat to dig into.

"Paranoia" is an audience favorite that the trio plays in the Horace Silver style. Starting out with a quirky, almost "Addams Family" feel the tune breaks into a bass solo that's got soul written all over it. The drum solo is an interesting exploration of playing over the changes of the tune, and the piano finishes things up with a shout chorus to knock your socks off.

Showing that the trio has an appreciation for Brazilian music they finish off the album with Kenny Barron's "Belem". "What?!" You say, "are you calling a Kenny Barron tune Brazilian?" Listen and tell me that doesn't have the haunting qualities that come from such Brazilian composers as Tom Jobim. The trio furthers the composition by their gentle touch to playing it.

All in all this album takes one through so many interesting styles of traditional jazz and leaves one feeling they've had a well rounded meal. Definitely worth coming back to listen to again and again.