Ben Allison Archive

Ben Allison – Quiet Revolution – Newvelle Records – vinyl

by Audiophile Audition | Nov 4, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

Ben Allison’s drummer-less trio – honors Jim Hall & Jimmy Giuffre… Ben Allison – Quiet Revolution – Newvelle Records NV005LP – audiophile vinyl ****1/2: (Ben Allison – bass; Ted Nash – tenor sax & clarinet; Steve Cardenas – steel-string guitar) The concept of a drummer-less trio is not a new one for jazz. The concept goes back to at least trios with Oscar Peterson, and Nat King Cole. Having the trio not include a pianist is only a bit harder to find, but the trio of Lucky Thompson, Skeeter Best, and Oscar Pettiford come to mind. Among the most noted for utilizing this concept were guitarist Jim Hall and multi-reedist Jimmy Giuffre. Bassist Ben Allison is the latest to record with saxophone and guitar, and in a gorgeous-sounding audiophile vinyl just issued by Newvelle Records for their subscription series, Allison is paired with Ted Nash and Steve Cardenas to honor Giuffre and Hall. In addition to the honorees, Allison and Nash each contribute a composition as well as the inclusion of the “Love Theme from Spartacus.” What is immediately apparent in listening to this marvelous sounding LP is the joy and creative interplay between the trio. Watching a YouTube video […]