Trio Viriditas (Alfred Harth - Wilber Morris - Kevin Norton): Waxwebwind@ebroadway

Bassist Wilbur Morris passed away on August 8, 2002 – a few months after the release of this fine trio effort, originally recorded during the summer of 2000. Needless to say, the modern jazz world lost one of its greats. While this effort offers a luminescent glimpse of Morris’ artistry, beginning with the opening seconds of the first piece titled, “From The North” – where the bassist provides a poignant intro. Here, all-world percussionist/composer Kevin Norton chimes in with sweeping press rolls as the duo emits a sound and methodology that might suggest notions of a loosely based organizational sequence, or perhaps a gathering of the troops. On “Braggadocio,” German saxophonist Alfred Harth, leads his associates through a loping swing groove, featuring Norton’s nimbly executed vibes passages and Morris’ prominent bass lines. Whether performing on saxophones or clarinet, Harth possesses an often steely-edged attack to complement his well-versed jazz vernacular. Throughout these twelve works, the trio conveys a symbiotic relationship. Tight, but loose when the situation arises, the musicians clearly reside on some sort of vast temporal plane, as their intuitive call and response mechanisms often form an imaginary circle. The band engages in various phases of intensity that elicits thoughts of a roundtable discussion. With “Age Pi @ Mandarin Court,” Norton’s powerful drumming augments Harth’s guileful soloing while Morris and the saxophonist also harmonize to a series of mini-themes. Wilbur Morris will be missed, as this recording in particular provides a glimmering portraiture of his laudable gifts. Moreover, the band’s team spirit imparts an indelible impression. Strongly recommended.

Cadence