Javier Vercher: Introducing The Javier Vercher Trio

On the opening track, Ornette Coleman's hip tune "Bird Food," Vercher cooks with a strutting, swaggering swing, punctuated by unpredictable uses of devices drawn from free music. He utilizes a similar approach on the straight-ahead "Norman." On the rubato ballad "Balada de Alfredo," Vercher recalls the intensity of Coltrane and Ayler, yet never detracting from his warm, personal tone.

The rhythm section is tight and together, as is required on a trio venture like this one. On the other hand, perhaps because Vercher is young and adventurous, he falters now and then. On "Bird Food," it sounds like he bobbles the closing theme statement a little bit. On "L'Euridice," his entrance, built around a sub-tone, is so striking that he spends a little too much time trying to catch up with himself. (It's a good solo nonetheless.)

But these are minor considerations. Throughout, Vercher and his sidemen play consistantly rewarding music. Young, brilliant pianist Robert Glasper makes two fine guest appearances and is especially rewarding on the swinging waltz "L'Euridice." Javier Vercher is already a major new voice, and hopefully he'll continue to build on the foundation he has started with this fine introduction.

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