Since the Stein/Smith/Shead trio's inception in the fall of 2021 they have quickly become one of the most creative and prolific bands working in the fields of jazz and improvised music. Hum see's the group moving deeper into their collective language, producing an album that is unlike any bass clarinet trio album recorded to date. Throughout this recording Jason Stein proves again and again that he is indeed the greatest living bass clarinetist working in improvised music today. Damon Smith, one of the most innovative bass players around, also shines on this recording, delving into deep grooves while maintaining a sideways and often detour inducing approach to improvisation. Adam Shead, the youngest member of the trio, has made his presence known with an impressive gamut of creative approaches to his instrument; providing an incredibly propulsive energy to the music. The recording at hand provides a new lens for which to understand the classic horn trio setting, and will undoubtedly become a recording of historical importance.
credits
released October 31, 2023
Jason Stein - bass clarinet
Damon Smith - double bass
Adam Shead - drums, percussion
Recorded by Todd Carter
Mixed & mastered by Bill Harris
Photography by Dave Schroeder
Titles from the writings of Nathaniel Mackey
Track 1 recorded on April 28th, 2022 at the Spot Tavern in Lafayette, IN
Track 2 recorded on April 29th, 2022 at North Street Cabaret in Madison, WI
thanks to South Arts, Bluestem Jazz, Paul Baldwin, Kat Holaday, & Al Rasho
So happy to see a new album from this band. I've long been a fan of Mazurek and Parker's work in Tortoise, on top of the CUQ... Anyhow, if you're curious about contemporary jazz, this is a terrific place to start.
Hobie Anthony
Trumpeter/composer Ashley Ballat and jazz guitarist Stephen Magnusson create warm and imaginative sonic landscapes. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 23, 2022