Henry Threadgill Vijay Iyer Dafnis Prieto: Fifteen

Fifteen is the wildly ecstatic new music from saxophonist Henry Threadgill (who at times seems quite unhinged) and the equally motivated MacArthur Fellowship winners,  pianist Vijay Iyer and a souped-up Dafnis Prieto on his respective percussive instrument. A lot of good stuff happens here, from the lead-off quarrel "Trio  Piece," wherein Threadgill's flute leads forward his groove- insistent partners, until the freewheeling closer, "On The Way," a freethinker's guide to wonder, powered by a full-on, full trio, rush.

Fifteen, believe it or not, is the collective's first, and honors fifteen years of giant steps by Threadgill, Iyer, and Prieto, who have toured globally together since their inception at New York's The Jazz Gallery many moons ago.

Fifteen leaves those listening wanting more. More like the loose martial-ness of "I Wanted A Map." Well, we all do, and this one comes with a bonus. Tuneful, brazen, solar-powered, the track holds a steady course between sway and swagger, like three old pros on a joyride. An anthem, of sorts, if such things still exist in our times.

Fifteen is a great listen. Clear and forward like the melodic wariness of "Where Coconuts Fall." Iyer going this way, Priesto going his way as Threadgill follows paths less traveled. "Where Coconuts Fall" has its own elusive yet purposeful logic, and how many can lay claim to that?

Fifteen has the romancing first single (they still make singles?) "Gently Trapped," a wistful ballad future generations will certainly interpret and muse upon. The combative and contentious "Fire City" follows red hot on the fade-out of "Gently Trapped" to its own mad hatter conclusion.

Fifteen reveals "Perfect Victims," an off-kilter theme song to a larger movie, "Perfect Victims" wanders off course willfully and often, but returns to a central militancy that engages the ear that is connected to the brain. And the brain likes to dream.

Fifteen, come hell or high water, is high mark, chamber trio music that only gets created in the most troubling of times: when humans need connection and empowerment. When artists take their sworn mission to heart: to be the lamp the people need.

Fifteen. Yeah, it is that.