Triple Tea: The Tunnel

Triple Tea rip open their debut recording The Tunnel with the arena-sized rock'n'roll pugnaciousness of "1994," a powerhouse panorama that instantly reveals the 3D view of jazz and its many incorporated elements.

The seven tracks comprising The Tunnel all exhibit sweeping overtures and seemingly effortless, certainly seamless movements between song sections, reminiscent of the soulful playing and compositional style of Elton John. Tommaso Taddonio's punchy, rolling chords simultaneously pedal forward and accompany the fluid spot-on work of bassist Carlo De Baggio and the hugely muscular beat of drummer Martin Tamisier. The thrilling introduction of swirling, near orchestral electronics on the succeeding "Ephemera" creates an encompassing, moving piece of balladry.

Though highly imagistic, Taddonio's writing is tightly conceived. Each player's sure, fervent chops adds to the creation of seven dynamic episodes, with their own distinctive scores arranged by the trio. "Fur Maryjane" is another exquisite cut; a roomy, expansive melody given time and space to breathe and become. The exhilarating title track blossoms quietly, almost mournfully, before crashing into itself feverishly, only to collapse into an unexpected syncopation, then doubles off and drifts away. Keep an ear out for these guys.