Mark Kleinhaut Trio: Chasing Tales (2002)

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: March 1, 2002

All originals, the tales that Mark Kleinhaut and his trio chase, leave lasting impressions. Audio samples are available from www.invisiblemusicrecords.com . The song titles describe a few aspects of what you're getting with each cool romp. Trumpeter Tiger Okoshi joins the trio for this session. Kleinhaut and Okoshi prefer mellow sounds. However, their music does not lack excitement. These original compositions offer lyrical melodies and surreal landscapes. From warm, summer breezes in the country to brassy, mechanical tours of urban streets, the ensemble's interpretations offer you many choices. Working in unison with guitar much of the time, Okoshi dazzles with seemingly little effort. And that's the whole idea behind Mark Kleinhaut's project. Like a duck on water, his ensemble is cool and graceful at the surface. What lies beneath drives an exciting modern mainstream session. Recommended, this one features four empathic artists who are careful to control their ratio of powerful, creative energy to softly, swinging jazz.

Track Listing: Cape Hatteras; Water Waltz; Erika's Living Room; Mousetrap; Bluejay; Aftermath; Three Olives; Talk to You Later; Cry Wolf; After Hours.

Personnel: Mark Kleinhaut- guitar; Tiger Okoshi- trumpet, flugelhorn; Jim Lyden- bass; Mark Macksoud- drums.

Record Label: Invisible Music Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream