This trio goes right to the heart of hip, they have
detonated a musical powder keg and I jumped on it like
a hobo on a ham sandwich.
Joe Cartwright has ideation and touch on the piano
that is formidable yet sensitive. There is a hint of
Bud Powell in his playing, but he is definitely in his
own bag. His runs are not simply a series of notes,
they are cohesive and fit the tune. Cartwright
understands the blues element and works it in with
style and elegance
Pure bop from the top is a fit appellation for Artt
Frank, his dynamics are superb and the exchanges with
Cartwright are cleverly executed. Frank has developed
a stye that is totally responsive to the soloist. The
accents are aways apropos to the message of the tune.
One might say that Artt Frank conducts a clinic in the
art of using brushes. Chet Baker often said that Artt
was both strong and yet sensitive in the use of
(brushes) and the listener will certainly bear witness
to that fact upon hearing this album. Artt Frank has
developed a remarkable 'ear' by virtue of the fact
that he is an 'in the pocket' player and correctly
reacts to the nuances and shadings of the soloist with
uncanny ability.
Steve Rigazzi on bass complements this ensemble with
time as accurate as the German rail system. His
soliloquies are beautiful with a sound to match.
"Blues In The Closet" is a bop inspired composition by
Oscar Pettiford. Joe Cartwright is showcased in fine
fashion with Artt Frank complementing him with
"artful" brush work. The four bar exchanges with the
piano and drums were a case study in solid
musicianship.
There is a kinsmanship within this trio and it is
evident in "You And The Night And The Music" as all
three cook with the burners on high.
I've Never Been In Love Before" and if you haven't,
this tune will bring you there. This composition is
orbit bound, up there with the satellites and tape
measure homers. Cartwright gets after it with a
purpose and Frank is booting him onward and upward
with meteoric support laced with finesse. Again the
bass walks powerfully but with grace and elegance.
If you want to hear the real thing, this CD is it.
There is a no nonsense feel throughout, with one
purpose in mind, to SWING to the maximum and they
achieve it with brilliance bred of experience and
professionalism.
Personnel: Artt Frank (d), Joe Cartwright (p), Steve
Rigazzi (b)
Tracks: Blues In The Closet, In Your Own Sweet Way, My
Romance, Bro Samba, Unit VI, Refuge, Dat Dere, You And
The Night And The Music, I've Never Been In Love
Before