Dave Bass: Trio Nuevo

In a captivating showcase of musical virtuosity and creative synergy, pianist Dave Bass' latest album Trio Nuevo transcends the traditional confines of jazz by seamlessly weaving together a variety of genres from Bach to bebop and beyond. Accompanying Bass on this musical adventure are bassist Tyler Miles and drummer Steve Helfand who prove to be exemplary partners and imposingly proficient players.

In this eleven-track outing, composed predominantly of original Bass compositions along with other numbers which Bass had admired for many years, the listener is engaged by a redefining of musical boundaries, beginning with one of Bass' originals, "These Times." It is structured in a way which epitomizes Bass' eclectic sensibilities. Some written parts are contrasted with free group improvisation, each effortlessly navigated by Bass' keyboard mastery with slick but substantial support from Miles and Helfand. Segue to "As Time Goes By," which was written in 1931 by Herman Hupfeld, but gained fame in the iconic 1942 film Casablanca, directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Bass gives the number a bluesy, emotional and technically accomplished reading, with solo space for Miles' thoroughly assertive bass work.

Looking to incorporate elements from a wide range of musical traditions, Bass has created two contrafacts, namely "One Look" based on the chord changes to George Gershwin's "Embraceable You" and "Baby Melon" using "My Melancholy Baby" as the starting point. The two numbers provide an interesting contrast as Bass delivers the former as a precisely calibrated ballad, and plays the latter with hungry enthusiasm. The interplay between Bass, Miles and Helfand is fluid, and they navigate the music with precision and finesse.

Stepping out into classical music, Bass continues his passion for J.S. Bach's music with his composition "Three Views of Bach." Using Bach's "Partita #2" as the frame, Bass takes the intricate counterpoint of the composition and reimagines the interpretation, blurring the lines yet faithful to the underpinning harmonics and rhythmic thrust. Looking to pay tribute to musicians whose music has influenced his work, Bass uses Charlie Haden's "Sandino," Denny Zeitlin's "Offshore Breeze," and Andrew Hill's "Duplicity" as the touchstones for this excursion. Each is a testament to the power of musical exploration and collaboration. Bass effortlessly negotiates the intricate harmonies and melodies associated with these diverse compositions, constantly pushing the boundaries of convention with his innovative improvisations. In wrapping up, the music never feels disjointed or unfocused, with the trio guided by a sense of purpose and direction.