MRC Trio: That Magic Thread (2006)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: January 30, 2006

The MRC Trio abides by a corpulent sound that's shaded with electronics and oddly formed undertones. The musicians generate pumping grooves to quell what would ordinarily appear to be modern/free jazz implementation. Sure, there are plenty of torrid improvisational encounters and ventures into the free domain, but the band often renders stylish world music grooves and jazz-fusion elements. They segment the music into four acts, which assists the mind's eye with formulating visual aspects of the music.

On "Act 1: Scene 2, violinist Hugh Marsh and the rhythm section start off with a conventional, yet somewhat staggered swing motif featuring blitzing staccato passages and linear thematic forays. Here and elsewhere, they surge into the red zone, firmed up by five-string cellist Rufus Cappadocia's limber bottom end. And they infuse motifs topped off with spacey jazz-rock lines to complement passages awash with grittily executed exchanges.

One of the more interesting efforts of 2005, this set presents lucid imagery with a wide-ranging palette. In other areas, Marsh institutes grunge-style effects laced with fuzz-toned sounds to complement drummer Barry Romberg's thrusting beats. Nonetheless, these folks mean business. They produce a thrill a minute from beginning to end! This band could make a difference in global jazz circles. Raucously recommended...

Track Listing: Act 1; Act 2; Act 3; Act 4.

Personnel: Barry Romberg: drums, percussion, electric percussion; Hugh Marsh: violin, effects; Rufus Cappadocia: five-string cello.

Record Label: Canada Council for the Arts
Style: Beyond Jazz