Tree On IK: You Choose

Tree on I K Kontemporary Jazz Kreations explore some of the avenues pioneered by modern acid and jam bands on their debut album You Choose. They incorporate a poet/ free stylist on a couple of tracks and state some themes on a digital B3 organ over a funky beat. Despite being gifted musicians, if they happen upon a particularly hip groove, they will stay with it for a while. Also in common with these jam bands, they feel like a live band, a vibe not so easily recreated in the studio. Unlike so many in the current crop of jam bands, however, their playing betrays a deep jazz understanding. They especially excel in emulating the sounds of mid-60s creative jazz. Echoes of Coleman emanate throughout, and one track in particular, "Mate de Coca" sounds like it could have come from Andrew Hill's songbook. In fact, the band’s strength lies in the songwriting and arranging ability of the young pianist Tony Kieraldo. Original jagged but catchy themes stated on piano or organ over a heavy backbeat dominate the album. Two standout tracks in particular reveal a developing and unique tunesmith ability. The two tracks, "Roses and Tulips" and "In the Key of E" showcase an epic even slightly romantic songwriting style. I hope this band catches on. They would certainly deserve it.