Tertiary Trio: Title Goes Here

Rent Control Records, a label that's putting out some of the freshest sounds in avant-garde jazz, has just released Title Goes Here by the Tertiary Trio. The trio—Andy Haas on sax, Don Fiorino on guitar and Paul Corio on drums—interweaves beautifully on the CD's seven tracks, producing a solid stream of creative improvisation.

Andy Haas is a pleasure to hear—he's capable of many moods, but he particularly shines when spinning out roller coaster lines of rapid notes. He's quick, fluid and inventive, going so fast and far he sometimes sounds like Charlie Parker squared. Haas also produces an interesting variety of sounds, notes that squiggle and swirl and voices alternately human, mechanical and alien. The listener never knows where Haas is going next, but is always rewarded by his choices. Haas is a musician whose time has come: he's been playing out for years, including early work with the '80s new wave band Martha and the Muffins, and it's exciting to witness him mature into his talent.

Fiorino and Corio are strong players as well, as capable of driving the songs as Haas. Fiorino's guitar work is lovely and spacious; his resonant, ringing notes create ethereal tonal layers that provide perfect fields for Haas' playing. He also creates interesting sonic effects that help take the music out. Corio plays drums with a graceful touch; he produces a rolling groove, but does so with greatest delicacy. There's a lot going on in this music, but it never gets clogged up, largely due to Corio's sensitive skill.

The combination of Haas' surefire playing with Fiorino's chiming tones and Corio's judicious drive is a compelling synthesis. The three musicians blend together to create songs that explore disintegration and freedom, making Title Goes Here another memorable addition to the Rent Control catalogue.