Kirk Knuffke: Window

Cornet player Kirk Knuffke seems to work with a different combination of musicians on every recording he makes. This time out, he is joined by Stomu Takeishi on bass and Bill Goodwin on drums in a bare bones trio session that covers a lot of musical ground.

The album consists of thirteen short tracks that hopscotch between various styles, with the three musicians thoroughly engaged with each other. "Choose" is a bit of sly funk with Knuffke pushing his horn coolly over Takeishi's loping bass and Goodwin's cracking drums. On the bayou-flavored "Mr. Bill," the leader shouts out whinnying Southern cries as the rhythm bulges and wobbles in response. "For Your Needing" marries tipsy parade cornet licks to thick dub-style bass and cowbell. "Ballad" is a quietly abstract piece where Takeishi's bass bubbles over Goodwin's cymbal work, and "Carey" has comically tipsy cornet lines dancing over ponderous bass.

One unique feature of this album is that Knuffke also sings on a few tracks. He shows a cool, swinging baritone voice that is a fine match for his playing on "Window," based on a Carl Sandburg poem, and "A Little More So." Elsewhere, Bill Goodwin recites a William Blake poem, " A Divine Image," leading into Knuffke chanting "Runs Red" to a Native American rhythm over thick bass chimes and rattling percussion.

This album's sound is spare but concentrated. All three participants contribute equally to the music's impact. Their individual contributions ring out clearly and fit together beautifully. This is another excellent example of Kirk Knuffke's ability to put together fascinating groups, and if he wants to release an all-vocal album someday, that might really be worth hearing.