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Eva Novoa: Novoa / Gress / Gray Trio, Vol. 1
ByDense yet transparent, Novoa, who has brought her enharmonics to a host of diverse names, among them being Gerald Cleaver, Satoshi Takeishi, Daniel Carter, and Ingrid Laubrock flourishes on sure footed "Indigo Blue." The tracka neo-trad throwback to piano trios everywherehas its quirky sidesteps. Lacing in and around Gress and Gray's elastic Olympics, Novoa's innate melodic sense bares itself and sails.
"Piano Man" is another mindset completely. Pursued by Gress's electric gale, Novoa, (who at her moments echoes the quiet classicism of Marilyn Crispell) wrestles herself and wins by any way possible. "Lapsus" takes it from there: a pure, full bore post-bop session, the track swings to high heaven like a previously unheard jam by McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones.
"The Drama of the Stolen Bouquet" is the soundtrack to the title so no more be said but, like a tremor though bedrock, it tells its own sure story. "Miss Celebrity" and "Sushi at 6" finds the trio having themselves a couple of Thelonious Monk style dust ups and loving every moment of them. "Indigo Blue take 2" may casually namecheck Novoa/Gress/Gray Trio, Vol. 1's opening track but take two is an entirely different analogy. Restless but laser focused, it moves without sorrow. At least for now.
Track Listing
Rocket Man; Miss Celebrity; Sushi At 6; Indigo Blue; Lapsus; The Drama Of The Stolen Bouquet.
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
Eva Novoa: piano, Chinese gongs; Drew Gress: bass, modular synthesizer; Devin Gray: drums.
Album information
Title: Novoa / Gress / Gray Trio, Vol. 1 | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Self Produced
Comments
Tags
Eva Novoa
Album Review
Mike Jurkovic
Novoa / Gress / Gray Trio, Vol. 1
Self Produced
Devin Gray
Gerald Cleaver
Satoshi Takeishi
Daniel Carter
Ingrid Laubroc
Marilyn Crispell
McCoy Tyner
Jimmy Garrison
Elvin Jones
Thelonious Monk