Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Toru Dodo: Dodo 3
Toru Dodo: Dodo 3
The standout composition "NYUCS (New York Underground Car Service), for example, could be mistaken in a blindfold test for the Bad Plus at their more adventurous, given its rhythmic, harmonic and structural boldness. But the piece is not derivative in any way; it bears Dodo's original signature throughout its unyielding gallop forward. (Its sample of a #1 subway line conductor announcing stops is an added pleasure for Manhatto-philes.)
The album opener "R or B is another compelling composition, with varying propulsive rhythms and tempos, changing colors of minor and major 7 chords and two-handed, staccato passages. "Arabesque shows a classical influence with its steadily flowing current of arpeggios, while on the solo piano "My Romance, Dodo demonstrates he can play a ballad the old-fashioned wayspare and tasteful with choice sprinkles of melody.
Other highlights which are notable for combining rhythmic playfulness and catchiness are "Brush Pitch and "Boneless & Skinless, while the penultimate track, "For Mr. M (Sazae's Theme), is especially not-to-be-missed. Like a mini Keith Jarrett solo movement, it evolves in three-plus minutes from a gentle and wistful song to a rolling blues and gospel-soaked vamp.
Track Listing
R or B; Bolivia; Boneless & Skinless; Inside Bubbles; NYUCS; A Spiral Escalator; Arabesuque; Giacomo Swing; Brush Pitch; My Romance; For Mr. M (Sazae's Theme); T. Dog's Theme.
Personnel
Toru Dodo
pianoToru Dodo: piano; Joseph Lepore: bass; Rodney Green: drums.
Album information
Title: Dodo 3 | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Unknown label
< Previous
Shot x Shot
Next >
The Music