Prysm: Second Rhythm

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: July 1, 1999

From France, the modern mainstream piano trio of drummer Benjamin Henocq, bassist Christophe Wallemme and pianist Pierre de Bethmann sparks excitement. At times lively and at times somber, the trio combines a love of straight-ahead jazz with lush harmonies and a variety of enthusiastic rhythms.

Bassist Wallemme begins "Extension" with an ostinato that serves to set the desired mood. It’s a scene of suspense and intrigue. Henocq’s "Suspended Time" sings out in a lyrical manner without any rhythm. "The Stonecutter" is slow, deliberate, and peaceful. "Secret World" offers a change-up that includes syncopated Latin rhythm, swinging piano, and a variety of percussion sounds. Wallemme’s dreamy "Eliot" finds all three sharing in an improvised tone poem. Both "Tao of Chloe" and "The Way" include portions where the piano and bass lay down riffs during which the drummer steps into the spotlight. Prysm is right out of the modern jazz mainstream, and while their session contains no strikingly familiar melodies, the compositions offer pleasant, well-worn acoustic vibrations.

Track Listing: The Way; The Stone Cutter; Temps Dense; Come

Personnel: Pierre de Bethmann- piano; Christophe Wallemme- bass; Benjamin Henocq- drums, percussion.

Record Label: Blue Note Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream