Yuri Lemeshev/Brad Shepik/Tony Scherr: Tridruga

Tridruga is a trio composed of the collaborative efforts of Yuri Lemeshev on accordion, Brad Shepik on guitar, and Tony Scherr on bass; who intertwine stories of passion, regret, and betrayed love as portrayed in the life of a Bengal Lancer. On this CD of the same name, the trio plays a set of gypsy cantatas, carnival rhapsodies, tangos, and an assortment of foxtrots, watusis, and cha-cha's.

Compositionally, some of the material appears to draw it's inspiration from composers such as Astor Piazzolla and Ernie Kovacks, and while the performances are generally on a high level, the set lacks somewhat in the drive and emotional intensity (if not swing) department. However, just because this isn't a jazz record per se, doesn't mean that this music is not viable.

I know there is an audience out there for this kind of thing, and listening to this disc could be a rewarding experience for a lot of people. That is the beauty of music; there is something for everybody.