Kenny Warren trio, In the Heat

Seven tracks that feel, certainly from a composition point of view, in their entirety like a first draft. As for the interplay again it is far from ideal, the beginning of a journey only and not an arrival. Kenny Warren, the trumpeter in this trio …

Published: 11 Apr 2020. Updated: 3 years.

Seven tracks that feel, certainly from a composition point of view, in their entirety like a first draft. As for the interplay again it is far from ideal, the beginning of a journey only and not an arrival.

Kenny Warren, the trumpeter in this trio that he also leads, recording in Brooklyn last year, dominates too much and you feel a huge personality here but one that certainly needs a foil. Double bassist Matthias Pichler, managing to get a word in just about edgeways with his gutsy intro on both 'My Moments Subtle' and 'One Room in My Mind', and drummer Nathan Ellman-Bell seem to be too much in awe of him although they seem decent enough players. Warren's style (sort of a brassier Ralph Alessi, even Tomasz Stańko in some of the rawer passages) is at its most interesting in the more open obviously free-improv explorations. I get the nagging feeling, and yet shouldn't, but because the recipe of all the available ingredients is not quite right, of the need for a piano or guitar to add to the group sound. SG

Out now on Whirlwind. Rating: three stars. Photo of Kenny Warren: via Bandcamp.

Tags:

Play it loud: playlist for Herbie Hancock's 80th

Herbie Hancock is the greatest jazz musician in the world. To celebrate his 80th birthday this weekend we have put together a specially curated playlist that provides proof for such a big statement and underlines, if still only scratching the …

Published: 11 Apr 2020. Updated: 4 years.

Next post

Herbie Hancock is the greatest jazz musician in the world. To celebrate his 80th birthday this weekend we have put together a specially curated playlist that provides proof for such a big statement and underlines, if still only scratching the surface, the deeply influential pianist, composer and bandleader's hugely significant achievements down the years. For decades his music has changed our lives for the better through his waves of innovation (particularly in jazz-funk) and inspiration exploring both the joy and profundity inherent in his work – and continues to do so.

Herbie Hancock, photo: Kwaku Alston

Like marlbank? Become a supporter.