Brad Shepik Trio: Short Trip

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

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Published: May 1, 2001

Much more than your standard state-of-the-art guitar driven jazz trio, Short Trip signifies New York City-based guitarist Brad Shepik's inaugural stab at straight-ahead or what might be considered mainstream fare. Here, Shepik deviates a bit from his Balkan and North African derived statements, witnessed on his fine 'Songlines' solo recordings and long term involvement with the band, 'Pachora' and trumpeter Dave Douglas' now historic 'Tiny Bell Trio' outfit.

While Brad Shepik looms as one of the future stars of modern jazz, his equally impressive rhythm section consisting of bassist Scott Colley and drummer Tom Rainey help accelerate this outing to lofty heights as they frequently push and prod the guitarist throughout these nine vibrant pieces. Basically, the rhythm section injects fervent shuffle beats, brisk swing vamps and oscillating cross currents in concert with Shepik's cleanly executed licks. On pieces such as 'Tuck On In' and 'The Tiger', the band mixes it up in quietly energetic fashion as Shepik renders animated choruses, intermingled with satiny single note flurries and melodious intervals, while Rainey and Colley surge onward in propulsive fashion. With 'Squall', the leader fuses a sneaky, succinctly developed melody into an arrangement featuring Colley's rapid, walking bass lines and Rainey's instigating polyrhythms, as Shepik also utilizes space and depth to great advantage. Overall, Short Trip is a splendid and articulately produced exposition! Highly Recommended!

Track Listing: Lupe, Non, Si Si, Tuck On In, Short Trip Back, The Tiger, Pilgrimage, Tony Tune, Squall, Karedok Luenca

Personnel: Brad Shepik; guitar: Tom Rainey; drums: Scott Colley; bass

Record Label: Knitting Factory
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream