REVIEW: Greg Burk Expanding Trio: “Message In The Clouds”
Greg Burk – piano, compositions
Stefano Senni – bass
Enzo Carpentieri – drums
Tonos Records 2020
1. Message In The Clouds
Musically, the atmosphere of Spain meets the spaciousness sky of Jazz and the limitless sea of creative improvisation. Here time is fluid and flexible, but never non-present. The vamp section is hypnotic! Just as the vamp arose from fluid time, so is it dissolved.
2. Don’t Disappear
The left hand piano and bass doubling is superb on the intro of this ballad. This track demonstrates that Burk is a Jazz composer as much as world-class performer. Senni’s feature on the melody is both poignant and rich.
3. Afterimage
Carpentieri’s drum answers to the piano and bass figure are delicious and dynamic. This swings in the traditional way, but is free of any sedentary retrospection. Burk’s hands are independent and dependent; a rare and lovely expression of the piano’s possibilities.
4. Love Wins
Another pensive ballad which breathes and ponders. The sound of the trio is full of respect for each other and the tradition; but, full of fresh dialogue among friends. The time dissolves into a rhapsodic tumult of sound as the trio reaches beyond the ballad framework to the power of unbridled passion. An ensemble work worth note.
5. Peace for Vanessa
Open plains and colorful cloud with delicate memories. How the lines of melody intersect among bass and piano is beautiful. Burk combines Americana, Gospel and Jazz harmonies as if there is no boundary to his artistic vision. Great solo by Senni, and sturdy accompaniment by Carpentieri – even his back-beat breathes.
6. Jade Smile
Clusters accent the clear and deft melody. Burk sings in every context and his group act as one. This waltz is as modern as can be, accented by breaths of freedom. Each member brings a world of sound to bear on the shape of the whole interpretation.
7. Breaking The Limits
A tour-de-force of writing and performance. Again, Carpentieri’s dynamic drum answers to the group is remarkable. Group interplay on this level is refreshing and promising. Full command of every dynamic spectrum and they are always listening for the most subtle change of melodic and rhythmic direction. This is Freedom!
8. Creature Comforts
Tight group statements of the melody define the deftness of this trio. Though the instrumentation is trio, this music sounds as full as an orchestra. Rich ideas and penetrating artistry abounds in every track. Burk is a herald of music to come, while aware of the revolutions that has preceded him. What a piano sound: clear, distinct and commanding!
9. The Union
Timeless melodies are Burk’s forte. Each member of this trio displays many strata of melodic concept, which is both contrapuntal and monophonic – and on command! Burk’s solo is just inspirational; while Senni is no less certain and deft. This is definitely a group to look out for. Bravo!
Chicago, November 2020
Kelvin Sholar – Pianist, Educator