Franklin, Clover, Seales: Three Worlds

A trio grows in Elkhart, Indiana, home of the new jazz label, Beezwax. A strong trio, with a softer, subtler approach to contemporary, smooth jazz. The best actors know where to place pauses in their speeches. So too do the best jazz combos. Every second of Franklin/Clover/Seales' Three Worlds is like a whispered conversation of music, three-way, but in total unity. ‘New Stories’ is one of the best examples of unhurried, dialogue music, though thoroughly instrumental. Seales’ spirited piano work never threatens by eclipsing the others; neither is it technically too bright or ever at variance with its collaborators. Each of the six tunes, save the last radio-airplay-length ‘Norwegian Eyes,’ are epic, planned jams that are intimate enough for the microphone or a small room of poets. As ‘Sweet Lorraine’ admits, the playing is detailed and careful, as if we the listeners have stumbled into the 2nd session after a heated set with all the club lights on full. To begin with such an ambling cool down is not only different, but exceptionally At Ease, to let the mind grow dark with the house lights. Nothing spectacular is achieved here, unless you count relaxation of the soul, and yet another obvious reason why there’s little more needed than a 3-handed game. Ever.