The New York Trio Project: Fifth House

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

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Published: November 1, 2001

Not unlike the hordes of jazz piano trios infiltrating this rather divergent genre, guitar-based trios are very much in vogue these days. Here, guitarist, Adam Rafferty pilots this threesome through a brisk set consisting of works by Chick Corea, Horace Silver and Sir Roland Hanna. However, the band also tackles John Coltrane’s “Fifth House” and Wayne Shorter’s “Beauty and the Beast” amid originals by bassist, John Menegon, drummer Jeff Siegel and Rafferty. Overall, the musicians provide a hearty mix, as they abide by a democratic methodology, whereas everyone gets a chance to stretch and contribute to a spacious and at times edgy group sound.

Rafferty’s warm-toned electric lead lines and smoothly executed chord voicings provide the rhythm section with an abundance of opportunities to creatively maintain the pulse while also enhancing the sonic climate with nuance and multicolored accents. The bands’ funk-rock piece titled “No Means No,” might spur notions of a scaled down groove, witnessed on Jimi Hendrix’ “Band of Gypsys” LP. Essentially, they swing hard yet sometimes insinuate and remold familiar styles or vibes into a jazz-based format. Furthermore, Rafferty displays an enviable technique and is equally adept at venturing into the red zone, or toning the proceedings down via supple or poignant interludes. Nonetheless, the trio manages to sustain a great deal of interest throughout. Recommended.

Imaginary Records

Track Listing: 1. Fifth House 2. One For Jimmy 3. It

Personnel: Adam Rafferty: guitar

Record Label: Imaginary Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream