there's much positive energy in this music. it's a lot of fun listening to these guys playing. this record is exciting from the beginning to the end. great!

Three out of four parts of the Echo Helstrom Band return to their Jazz and Classical music roots to form the aptly named Echo Jazz Trio. On their self-titled debut album bassist Will Amend, drummer Mike McDaniel, and guitarist Ross Seligman cover songs by some of the masters of jazz, touching on everyone from Thelonius Monk to Sonny Rollins. In total there are 10 renovations of old to new classic Jazz hits, each given a personal touch that the Echo Jazz Trio provides. George Shearing’s “Lullaby of Birdland” played through the EJT’s suave translation would fit perfectly as the background music for a swank playboy lounge in an old James Bond movie. The drums on the Al Cohn cover “Jane Street” rustle with the delicate use of McDaniel’s brushes. As a whole, this album balances a very fine line. Every song adheres to a strict dynamic. Cool, suave, chill, neat, and bright. But on the other hand, there is still so much diversity amongst the selections. “Scrapple From The Apple” originally by Charlie Parker, disposes of the elegant refinery of some previous tracks and instead injects a the deep, driving bump reminiscent of R&B styles. As the album heads towards it’s end it only gains steam. Clifford Brown’s “Sandu” cover propels itself on great solos by all three members while their unified playing adds momentum for the energetic closer, “Caravan” by Duke Ellington. So strong is this stylish jazz that you can almost envision cigarette smoke swirling overhead and smell the olives from your martini while tapping your feet to the infectious beats. As told on their website, the songs they’ve collected for this album are the same ones they play constantly at their live performances. If you’re a fan already, this will do nothing but give you more accessibility to their work. If you’re just finding out about them now, you have a fun task in front of you. Their selections of material are all great in their own right and have been tackled by others, but deciphering the simple nuances only this trio can provide to highlight each tune will be an enjoyable listening experience. Best if played with low lights, high spirits, and a relaxed environment.

Look, guitar trios are cool; they just are! Yet if not done right, they can leave one wanting for something . . . which is NOT the case here. This recording IS what guitar trios are all about and the echo jazz trio has captured a freshly ground dark roast here that will satisfy all your senses with its sophisticated aroma. This is jazz without the sprinkles, in its finest organic form and served hot just the way we like it. Take a sip, and savor the flavor.