Daniel Toledo Trio & Pianohooligan: Atrium

Jazz left the shores of America long ago, and has been embraced across the planet as the music of choice for personal expansion and emotional expression. Case in point is the Daniel Toledo Trio & Pianohooligan, a triumvirate of youthful and impressive musicians, from three different countries, who have bonded over jazz's democratic status that everyone is welcome, as long as you can play.

Recorded in Poland, Atrium is an alluring presentation of tunes composed by bassist Daniel Toledo, who hails from Ecuador, Swedish drummer Paul Svanberg, and Polish wunderkind Piotr Orzechowski, aka Pianohooligan. As with any piano oriented trio, the burden of melodic challenges falls on the pianist, as he is the principal soloist. Orzechowski is classically trained, both refined and assertive in his approach, yet is more than capable to adhere to the improvisational structure of the songs. The cohesiveness of the trio is evident from the opening title track, as they ease into the piece, feeling each other out. "Tawney," is set in a more dramatic pace, Toledo and Svanberg blazing a trail for the release of piano torrents, leading to a drum solo performed with enthusiasm.

"Abridged Perspective," and Horyzont," are depicted as warm ballads, where Toledo's bass enjoys a prominent role, and he is able to display his dexterity and finesse. They return to a bop setting on "Noa," Orzechowski showing remarkable chops in performing a straight ahead burner. The frenetic cadence of "Margins," allows for aggressive phrasings, with flashes of controlled chaos, all done in good taste and in perfect time. The set winds up with "Near Focus," Svanberg pushing the drums, and his band-mates, into a chordal attack, as they take turns in the spotlight.

This is Daniel Toledo's second foray into recording with a trio format, releasing Elapse in 2014, (with Piotr Orzechowski on piano) as well as guesting on various other sessions. Piotr Orzechowski released two acclaimed solo piano records in Poland, and has an established reputation in both classical and jazz circles. Paul Svanberg also has an extensive discography, specifically with the Lars Jansson Trio based out of Sweden. Though relative newcomers, with the collective experience these young lions have rapidly accumulated, and on the strength of this release, these are names to watch out for, as jazz continues to go global.

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