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Burton Greene Trio: Throptics
ByOn this trio recording Greene is in the company of two players who readily match his infectious enthusiasm. Morris is one of the finest improvising bassists on any scene and Grassi’s abilities behind the trap set continue to be documented at a prolific frequency. Greene contributes nearly all of the compositions save the opening piece which is by Morris and “Tilo Akandita Brikama,” a tribute to South African bassist Johnny Dyani penned by Pierre Dørge.
“Light Blue” commences with the trio in full force as Greene cleaves staccato clusters of notes against a tense rhythmic cincture supplied by Morris and Grassi. Greene’s vocals announce “What’s Your Jones,” a composition that reflects it’s addictive subject matter with a nervous alacrity. An almost ‘inside’ swinging effervescence envelopes “Tilo Akandita Brikama” and Morris tugs deeply at his strings in veneration to Dyani. Greene contributes more vocalized embellishments that are somewhat distracting despite their spirited delivery. His lengthy solo preface on “Lennie Lives” is another matter however and he manages an agile colloquy between right and left hands with the memory of Tristano set firmly in his sights. The light-hearted “Mississippi Clarence” exhibits another of Greene’s many moods in the form of simple New Orleans march structure that dissolves into less predictable discord. With the closing “Hey Pithy, Can You Thropt the Erectus?” a clever tribute to Mingus, the trio comes full circle. Quick vocalized shouts blend with a primordial musical shuffle of block chords, elastic bass strings and rattling percussion. Grassi’s closing solo is a dynamo of carefully controlled rhythmic energy. Here then are three men who inject an experimental edge into the timeworn piano trio format with tenacity and good humor. Their finished product ends up being one of the most enjoyable additions to Burton Greene’s broad discography.
Track Listing
Light Blue/ What
Personnel
Burton Greene
pianoBurton Greene- piano; Wilbur Morris- bass; Lou Grassi- drums.
Album information
Title: Throptics | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: CIMP Records
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