Greg Burk Trio: Nothing, Knowing

Greg Burk comes along for the third time as leader with Nothing, Knowing and proves beyond any shade of doubt that he has the distinct ability to turn a tune into an exciting and imaginative journey. He sounds more expansive here than in the past, his sense of drive and purpose given new impetus and dynamism. The presence of bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Bob Moses makes the music all the more arresting.

A hint of exploration sets "Old Folks in motion before the tune settles into a nicely structured outing. Moses gives Burk an evolving rhythm structure and the pianist primes that with a wealth of spirited ideas. A rush of percussive motifs and a whooping bass stir "Borneo Dreaming, the strings of the piano adding the strum and contrast. This is a hard-paced workout, the three interweaving and interspersing ideas that spring from the moment before Burk settles down into an appealing melody. Swallow and Moses continue to rustle the rhythm. The impact continues.

The marathon "Truth be Bold envelops all the musical tendencies and approaches. The tune has everything going for it. The opening bold strokes from Burk, the underpinning of the pulse by Swallow, the array of hues that Moses sprinkles and daubs from his kit gather steam and the trajectory forges on, the vortex churning and gaining momentum. In the quiet after the storm comes the gentle wash of a gurgling stream, sound casting its voice through the accents of the drums, the bass oscillating on top, the piano dissecting form, all opening the plain of improvisation and filling it with ripe imagination. Surprise is the constant element.

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