Jim Robitaille: Sonic

As guitarist in a trio setting, Jim Robitaille has to wear a number of hats: melodic, harmonic and improvisational. And on Sonic, the Massachusetts-based guitarist's ninth recording under his name, Robitaille dons one more headdress, as eight of the album's ten numbers are his original compositions.

Robitaille plays his parts well, as do his astute teammates: bassist Tom Casale and drummer Chris Poudrier. Even so, there is a persistent sameness throughout the session that seems to say, "Yes, this is good—but it's not getting any better."

That may be selling it short, as everyone is clearly giving the music his best shot, and there are decent solos along the way by Robitaille and Casale (and by Poudrier on the brisk "Room 554" and Miles Davis' "All Blues"). Robitaille's themes, on the other hand, are well-meaning but several rungs removed from impressive. The same tepidness holds true for "All Blues" and John Coltrane's gentle "Central Park West," neither of which showers sparks in the hands of a trio.

The opening number, "Stratus," moves into an affirmative gear after Robitaille's subtle guitar synth intro, and Casale takes the first solo before the leader adds a few incisive remarks. "Anthem," written for the late bassist and Robitaille colleague Bill Miele, enfolds a softer tone, as do "The Sea and the Sky," "Sonic" and "Blue Moon," which follow. "Pulse" imparts some rhythmic heat before "Central Park West" again lowers the temperature.

"Room 554" is the spiciest item on the menu, and everyone digs in hard to underline its rhythmic imprint, but placidity returns on the ethereal "Sound Origins," and "All Blues," even though hearty and well-played, seems rather out of place in a trio format.

Bottom line: a good but less than persuasive session whose appeal may be limited to those who appreciate the synergy of a trio, especially one whose focal point is a guitar.

Whaling City Sound · Jim Robitaille Trio - Sonic