Ray Lyon: Trinity One

Pianist and composer Ray Lyon has released Trinity One, his fifth release on his own label, Burning Blue Records. The eight-song project delivers a diverse collection of original compositions that are interesting in form and execution. Lyon is a master of storytelling through his music and he enlists the talents of bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Bill Berg. The trio's synergistic chemistry is immediately evident as they journey various styles, but above all, they deliver a musical project that is enjoyably listenable.

The title track opens the CD with a straight-eight selection that would find a good reference with the Pat Metheny Group. With a melody that is methodically developed over a moving pulse through a long form, the three are certainly speaking the same musical language. Haslip's bass playing is always a pleasure to listen to, with his rock-solid rhythm and fluid fills, the bottom is well supported. Berg's drumming is symbiotic in his accents with Lyon's playing. Lyon's piano solo is relaxed and full of ear catching figures.

"When Weak is Strong" continues in the same theme as the title track. Lyon does a great job of layering various keyboard parts to thicken out the orchestration of the tune. Haslip's light bossa-ish bass pattern serves as the backdrop for Lyon's piano solo, which is seamless and uses space effectively. Haslip takes a great upper register solo which leads back to the melody. With subtle Latin tinges sprinkled in, and tutti piano and bass figures, this is a good example of Lyon's control of compositional space and textures. Lyon's solo on keyboard, uses the pitch bending wheel to good effect, creating an emotional story over the climbing harmonic movement.

Trinity One is presented by 3 veteran fusion players, that happen to also be long-time friends, it is in this chemistry the music is elevated to a higher level of consciousness, which benefit the listener's experience. There is a distinctly spiritual theme to the record, and one that edifies the ear and soul with an uplifted experience.