Jonas Cambien Trio: A Zoology of the Future

Belgian-born pianist Jonas Cambien currently resides in Oslo and is supported by first-rate regional musicians on his debut outing as a leader. No doubt, this trio possesses a distinct personality as the artists seemingly concoct a horde of magic potions on a per-track basis. Here, free-form maneuvers evolve into tangible themes amid quirky advancements and spunky, off-kilter interplay. Each piece stands on its own. And from an avant-garde jazz perspective, the musicians often equalize the blustery improvisational segments with hummable melodies, signaling a welcome and rather unanticipated surprise for 2016.

"We The People" is a strong indicator of what this band is all about as they merge a finger-snapping, melodic ostinato motif into a rising tide like opus, steadily executed in the low to middle registers by Cambien. Meanwhile, drummer Andreas Wildhagen lays down a sweeping and darting pace that adds to the group's dynamism as saxophonist André Roligheten dishes out a furious soloing escapade, leading to a catchy theme, constructed on a looping foundation. It's a prime example of the musicians' manner of weaving the hard stuff with melodic overtures and brash soloing jaunts that provide numerous rewarding factors.