Triology: The Slow Road

In The Slow Road, the Canadian trio Triology—comprised of pianist Miles Black, guitarist Bill Coon, and bassist Jodi Proznick—joins forces with the inimitable tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton to present a recording that swings with warmth, restraint, and unfailing musicality. This is chamber jazz at its most elegant, invoking the refined spirit of classic drummerless trios such as Oscar Peterson's early unit, the Nat King Cole Trio, and the telepathic interplay of Ahmad Jamal's 1950s groups.

The nine-tune tracklist is arranged to deliver a nuanced tapestry of counterpoint, swing and subtle propulsion, beginning with Jodi Proznick's original "Luna," which opens on a contemplative note. It is a gentle moonlit reverie that allows Hamilton to unfurl his lyrical lines with breathy restraint. Coon and Black outline the harmonic contours while Proznick's bass provides subtle motion. "Pompton Turnpike" is a lesser-known swing era gem famously recorded by Charlie Barnet's Orchestra in the 1940s. Hamilton's affinity with this repertoire is palpable, and his playing has bounce, bite, and charm. Triology approaches the number with an infectious sense of groove as developed by Black's comping and Coon's fluid single-note lines, a brisk ride down the highway handled with impeccable style.

The title track, "Slow Road," an original tune by Bill Coon unfurls with mid-tempo patience and poise and reflects the album's ethos: thoughtful phrasing, subtle harmonic movement, and shared respect for space. This is no cutting contest; it is only a conversational outing where each musician listens as much as they play. Charlie Parker's "Moose The Mooche" injects a burst of bebop energy into the set. With Hamilton laying out, it is Coon and Black trading bop-infected solos. Proznick anchors the tune with steadfast swing and the absence of drums is no hindrance. "Thanks For The Memories" is probably best recalled as Bob Hope's signature tune with which he ended his radio and television programs. Here it is given a particularly tender reading. The ballad showcases Hamilton's extraordinary ability to caress a melody, allowing every phrase to breathe and resonate. His tone is hushed and intimate, and the trio responds with reverence.

The album closes with a Miles Black blue-tinged original "Blues For Franz," which fuses gospel warmth with late-night cool. The number feels like a farewell toast; affectionate, swinging, relaxed. Each musician contributes solos filled with humour and heart. Hamilton is mainly engaged in blending blues inflection with his signature swing phrasing. The album is a reminder that jazz, at its core, is about the connection between musicians, between melody and rhythm, between past and present.

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