Matt Renzi, Jimmy Weinstein & Masa Kamaguchi: Dream Life

Their latest collaboration came amid tours of Spain and Portugal. Traveling can do wonders for one’s creativity; however, this trio wasn’t in need of a boost. They’d already proven that through earlier recordings. Based in New York, Jimmy Weinstein, Masa Kamaguchi and Matt Renzi represent the growth pattern of modern mainstream jazz. They swing in a traditional sense, while expanding jazz’s horizon through creative interplay. Solos from each artist punctuate a session of cohesive ensemble invention. Compositions by Ornette Coleman, Dave Brubeck, Carla Bley and others serve as launch points for their exploration. Kamaguchi’s lyrical bass lines combine with Renzi’s seamless phrasing and Weinstein’s textual variety to produce another winner. Emotions run high in spots, and a deep blues feeling pervades. The trio continues to blaze a trail for the growth of modern mainstream jazz.