Dred Scott Trio: Live At The Rockwood Music Hall (2009)

Christopher Shoe

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2007

Chris Shoe is a musician and writer living in Southern CA

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Published: February 6, 2009

Dred Scott Trio: Live At The Rockwood Music Hall

This album is the Dred Scott Trio's tribute to one of its most frequent gigs in New York. In a city where regular engagements are more and more scarce it is a beautiful thing to see the relationship this band shares with a venue; Live at the Rockwood Music Hall is a beautiful showcase of this dynamic piano trio.

Right away the listener is drawn in to the group's lively energy. "Well, You Might" is a solid opener, with a pulsating melody that speaks of modernism. Scott's solo is equally mesmerizing; his lines soaring through the chord changes at a speed that leaves listeners wondering what just flew by them.

The band shows they know how to groove on "The Wizard." This modern and somewhat funky take on Black Sabbath's "The Wizard" speaks of a musical heritage in a forward-looking style. Drummer Tony Mason shines on this track with his cohorts driving him forward with the repetitious melody. "This Ain't No Russian Novel, Baby" is beautiful in its simplicity and swinging in its feel. The band blends together nicely for a fresh take on the modern trio sound.

One comes away from this album confident that jazz is still alive and kicking and that there are still places where it is welcomed.

Track Listing: Well, You Might; Time for the Hard Stuff; The Wizard; Three-Legged Dance; This Ain't No Russian Novel, Baby; Doggie and Cookie; Roses; Swirling Grimly; Sans Francisco.

Personnel: Dred Scott: piano; Ben Rubin: bass; Tony Mason: drums.

Record Label: Ropeadope
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream