Freedom of Assembly: Freedom of Assembly

The sonic clarity of recording is astounding and adds significantly to the romantic insouciance of the players’ interactions. Mugavero’s swishing brushes and deft cymbal accents are always audible alongside Donchev’s understated bass lines. Both men work in careful concert with Seager, and the three together alternate between the polished traditional swing of “I Got It Bad” and the at times abstract interplay of “Free Lunch” with easy facility. Of the three I was most struck by Mugavero. Possessing a weightless touch on his traps with both sticks and fingers he produces all sorts of rhythmic tensions without ever resorting to bombast or excess. His ethereal patterns provide the perfect complimentary prodding for his peers. It’s uncommon to find a group that can effectively balance a robust interest in ‘outside’ playing with an equal appreciation for more ‘inside’ expression, but these three musicians manage to do so while at the same time preserving an evocative sense of uncertainty. Listeners looking for a fresh take on the time-tested piano trio tradition will find a great number of pleasant surprises on this disc.

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